The platforms that run on tech infrastructure.
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.
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.
2026 is the EU’s digital “set-up” year: a time to simplify rules, set priorities, and brace for transatlantic spillovers as major legislative initiatives race toward 2027.
US trade officials warned on X that European service providers could face fees and restrictions if the EU keeps “discriminatory” tech rules.
Despite fierce criticism from privacy advocates, EU governments have backed a "compromise” Chat Control deal that still paves the way for mass scanning of encrypted messages and de facto digital ID checks for all users.
A new Tony Blair Institute paper lays out how Europe can stay competitive in the AI age – by reforming regulation and capital markets, boosting compute and energy, and exporting its digital government stack.
Denmark’s EU Presidency has released a new, 203-page draft for Chat Control. Despite diplomatic tweaks, vague “risk mitigation” obligations could still require scanning of private messages, including those encrypted.
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.
A new ECIPE/EPPP paper, based on a 3,500-person CEE survey, finds low DMA awareness but clear UX fallout: slower launches, missing features, and safety worries. The authors urge two paths: repeal the DMA or reform it to put consumers first.
When EU policymakers launched the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI) under eIDAS 2.0, they promised a secure single ID for seamless cross-border use. But seen through the lens of wicked problems, it’s no silver bullet—more a starting point that merits cautious optimism
Europeans often get access to major tech products months after the U.S., and sometimes with missing features. Privacy rules, the Digital Markets Act, and cautious rollouts all play a role, leaving consumers and businesses a step behind on productivity and new use cases.
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.
Analysis of EU innovation, consumer and tech policy
