News

Civil society launches a summit to counter "simplification" proposals threatening EU digital protections. The convening aims to centre public interest, data protection, and rights in the EU's vision for tech laws and practices.

SPRIND, Germany's innovation agency, launched a €125M competition for Europe's first frontier AI labs. Applicants must aim to leapfrog current AI leaders, with up to €1 billion in follow-on funding available.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) shows potential but faces criticism for lax enforcement by the European Commission. Gatekeepers continue to dominate digital markets due to political interference and a laissez-faire approach to its implementation.

Italy's AGCM closes probes into DeepSeek, Mistral AI, and Nova AI over AI hallucination disclosures. The authority accepted binding commitments, setting a benchmark for transparency with a 120-day compliance window before potential fines.

Kigen secures €11. 5 million to scale eSIM cybersecurity solutions....

EU lawmakers are wrestling with proposals for a Digital Euro, with a contentious "holding limits" feature temporarily shelved. Key issues like data protection and offline payment capabilities remain unresolved as the deadline for agreement looms.

noyb sues Hamburg data protection authority over inaction on PimEyes facial recognition. The DPA is refusing to act, claiming PimEyes is based in Dubai despite acknowledging its practices are illegal.

EU trilogue talks on AI Act reform failed, delaying loosened rules for AI in industry. Disputes over classifying industrial AI and banning non-consensual deepfakes continue, risking key protections.

Greece wants to completely eliminate anonymity on the internet. The government seeks to require identity disclosure on digital platforms to combat deepfakes and disinformation.

Gifting marketplace Udora raises €8. 5 million, focusing on European growth and AI personalisation....

EU Commission accuses Meta of not effectively keeping children under 13 away from Instagram and Facebook. Meta thereby violates the Digital Services Act (DSA) and must better identify risks for minors.

Greece's €4 million AI Smart Policing programme, including facial recognition, has been ruled unlawful by the Hellenic Police's data protection authority. The decision confirms concerns about data protection violations and misuse of AI technologies.

Commission urges EU Member States to accelerate rollout of secure age verification app by year-end. The app protects minors from harmful online content and can integrate with the EU Digital Identity Wallet.

Málaga's Freepik relaunches as AI platform Magnific, reporting €196 million ARR. The company now integrates image, video, audio generation, and collaboration tools in one environment....

AI expert discusses European legal requirements for transparency in AI systems. She highlights that not all "open" AI models are truly open source, and European legislation demands openness regarding model weights and data.

Brussels talks up digital sovereignty, but funding for crucial open-source infrastructure remains uncertain. NLnet Foundation supports developers building independent digital tools, from hardware to social media platforms, but urges more concrete action.

Brussels discusses digital sovereignty, but funding for related projects remains uncertain. NLnet Foundation’s Michiel Leenaars highlights the need for controllable and replaceable technology to foster independence....

Brussels orders Google to share its Android AI sandbox with competitors. The European Commission is investigating if Google's AI practices violate the Digital Markets Act.

Berlin-based Patronus raises €11 million to enhance senior safety smartwatches with AI companionship. The funding will boost daily device wear and address senior loneliness.

Swiss robotics firm KEMARO secures €4. 2 million in a Series B pre-closing to fund international growth, targeting the US market and expanding its product line....