News Featured The democracy paradox: why no political ads may empower illiberals The EU’s new political ad rules, taking effect in Oct 2025, pushed Meta and Google to discontinue political ads in Europe. While meant to boost transparency, the situation risks aiding regimes like Orbán’s Fidesz, which dominate media and can drown out opposition voices.
News Featured Gloomy times ahead for European political advertising Meta and Google will end political ads in the EU ahead of the TTPA’s 2025 rollout. The regulation’s broad definition of political advertising and extensive obligations for platforms have led to unintended consequences - not just for politicians, but also for think tanks and NGOs.
Fintech Featured The war against fintechs in Hungary continues A new front has opened up in Hungary between fintech companies and the traditional banking sector. In June, the Government voted to introduce the transaction tax on fintech players, such as Revolut, Wise, and BINX.
Privacy Featured Hungarian digital citizenship: software provided by Orban’s son-in-law? Hungary’s digital ID system is under fire after it was revealed that its facial recognition tech is linked to PM Orbán’s son-in-law. Critics warn of surveillance risks, especially amid new laws allowing facial ID at protests and concerns over political misuse.
Fintech Featured Revolut under pressure in Hungary: demands for ATM access in remote areas, fintech called 'a free-rider' Hungary's government is forcing banks to fund ATMs in remote areas, calling it equal access to cash. Revolut, with no physical branches, is labeled a "free rider" for not contributing. Critics say this distorts competition and serves political interests over consumers.
Featured Global Gateway: The EU’s development strategy needs a revamp "Global Gateway" is the EU’s €300 billion initiative to boost "smart, clean, and secure" links in digital, energy, and transport sectors worldwide, supporting emerging economies. Program's success depends on adopting new ideas, methods, and cutting bureaucracy to compete with global powers.
E-governance Featured Hungarian response to the role of Western social media: digital sovereignty or digital censorship? The Hungarians criticize foreign interference in Romanian elections via social media, likening Western platforms to CCP propaganda. This may result in stricter media controls ahead of its 2026 elections.
Global Featured BRICS in the global tech wall: will the US and EU hit the snooze button again? The BRICS coalition (currently including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates) has been increasingly vocalizing its position on its own tech sovereignty.
Connectivity Featured 5G rollout vs uptake in the EU: challenges ahead The rollout and adoption of 5G technology in the European Union are essential for the region's digital future. This technology enables advancements in healthcare, smart cities, and connected vehicles. While the European dialogue lately revolves around the rollout and additional investments needed, the consumer uptake issues often are
Connectivity Featured Reducing Chinese influence in the EU's telco: Poland moves ahead Poland has recently announced its plans to phase out Chinese equipment from its telecom infrastructure, particularly 5G networks, where Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE have significant market shares.
Privacy Featured Digital citizenship to kick off in Hungary – Chinese or Estonian style? Digital citizenship in Hungary has become a pressing issue as the government pursues initiatives to centralize and digitize citizens' personal information.
