Policymaking Windmill Europe’s tech referee grades its own homework The European Commission just gave itself a positive review on the DMA, but Dirk Auer of the ICLE argues this self-grading ignores the DMA’s real costs: broken features, delayed AI, and a decline in European competitiveness. Is the "tech referee" grading its own homework too generously?
News The EU's age verification app launched: technically ready, legally awkward? The European Commission launched an age verification app this week. This is likely to serve as a start for a broader legislative initiative to legalise age-verification and subsequent restrictions on minors.
Policymaking Windmill Empowering children online: the CoE is skeptical of blanket social media bans As politicians rush to impose blanket social media bans on minors, recent Council of Europe recommendations urge a smarter approach. They stress that online safety measures must protect children without sacrificing their freedom of expression or cutting off essential digital access
Policymaking Windmill Is the DMA a chicken or a duck? Why the DMA predestinates European companies and consumers to lose “If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.” The DMA looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck — yet many insist it is a chicken.
News Digital services taxes begin driving up consumer prices for ads Although Brussels often overlooks how new taxes and regulations are passed on to consumers, the impact is already becoming clear: Meta advertisers have been told that “location fees” of 2% to 5% will apply in several European countries, with rates subject to change.
News Taxpayer-funded European social media platform? A group of activists want the EU Commission to help build a “society-funded” European social network. The Commission has now registered a Citizens’ Initiative, triggering up to 18-month, 1-million-signature push, while questions remain on cost, procurement, and timeline.
Policymaking Windmill Scientists urge moratorium on teen social media age verification 405 scientists from 30 countries warn teen social-media bans and age checks can backfire. In a Monday statement, they urge a moratorium until evidence is clearer, citing easy circumvention, migration to risky fringe sites, and years-long infrastructure hurdles.
News Why TikTok’s DSA investigation is important Last week the European Commission preliminarily found TikTok may breach the DSA over “addictive design” (infinite scroll, autoplay, push alerts, personalised feeds). If upheld, it could mean a fine up to 6% of global turnover.
News US threatens European companies (and why it may not have the desired effect) US trade officials warned on X that European service providers could face fees and restrictions if the EU keeps “discriminatory” tech rules.
News EU Commission’s 2026 work programme: what’s next for digital 19 EU leaders urge “self-restraint” on new laws, yet the EU's 2026 plan is packed: 68 new initiatives, 20 evaluations, 153 pending files. Digital highlights: Public Procurement, Cloud & AI Development Act, Digital Fairness Act, plus pending digital euro and Chat Control.
Policymaking Windmill What do Europeans have to say about the Digital Fairness Act? Record 4,325 Call for Evidence submissions (boosted by gamers) show a split. Most business groups opposed it, and many publicly funded NGOs supported it. The EU “champions” (Wolt, Ryanair, Vinted, Spotify) warned of over-regulation, urging focus on implementation.
Red Tape Roadblocks 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.
Global Innovation Race Russia's new jab at Western social media platforms Russia’s new Law No. 72-FZ bans all advertising on “undesirable” or extremist platforms, tightening control over Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, with fines looming and influencers turning to VK, RuTube, or crypto to keep earning.
News Booking.com faces class action lawsuit at home The Amsterdam court will have to decide between compensating hotels for past losses or focusing on Booking.com’s current conduct, highlighting the broader tension between market fairness and Europe’s global tech competitiveness.
News EU’s €700M Fines for APPLE and META: power posing or the benefit for consumers? The EU fined Apple €500M and Meta €200M under the Digital Markets Act, giving them 60 days to comply. But from a consumer perspective, are we celebrating real benefits - or are we celebrating “showing it to them”?
News EU's e-commerce toolbox, digital fairness & the case of personalized ads The EU Commission unveiled the E-Commerce Toolbox, proposing Customs Union reform, removal of duty exemptions (<€150), stricter customs controls, and stronger consumer protections. By 2026, the Digital Fairness Act may offer restricting personalized ads, impacting both consumers and SMEs.
News 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.
Policymaking Windmill Infinite scroll and auto-play unjustly under fire About a year ago, the European Parliament addressed once again the now mainstream concern of the "addictiveness" of social media, claiming that features such as infinite scroll and auto-playing videos are to blame for hocking users to their apps.
News Free speech platforms like 'X' will never pass the EU's DSA test Elon Musk wants X to be the premiere free speech platform. But this trajectory is completely at odds with the aims of the EU's regulatory playbook. And this battle is far from over.
