Privacy Featured Old wine in new bottles: Denmark strong-arms the EU on Chat Control 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.
Privacy Featured Time to talk about encryption (again) Consumer Choice Center Europe has joined a global statement defending strong encryption, warning that efforts to fight online crime must not weaken secure communication or end-to-end encryption as the EU debates the controversial Chat Control proposal.
Privacy Featured A dangerous new proposal for Chat Control 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.
Data Featured Between the lines: GDPR in the EU Data Strategy Union consultation DG Connect’s recap of the EU Data Strategy consultation brings few surprises: Western Europe led participation, Europeans are more active in providing unique feedback, and 25% want the GDPR reviewed.
Privacy Featured New Danish proposal for Chat Control: three fat problems remain Denmark’s update to the EU “chat control” plan shifts to “voluntary” scanning, but ex-MEP Patrick Breyer warns it still sidesteps Parliament’s court-order safeguard, would ban under-16s from messaging apps, and could effectively end anonymous communication.
Privacy Featured Chat Control on hold, Europe's Eastern flank remains passive Germany’s withdrawal freezes CSAR, yet the EU’s eastern flank remains passive, signaling a deeper malaise: inefficient interministerial cooperation, capital–PermRep disconnects, and a habit of sidelining digital policy.
Privacy Featured EU consultation on digital rules: time to think outside the box The EU’s Digital Omnibus consultation is open until Oct 14, 2025, aiming to simplify data, AI, and cybersecurity compliance. But without tackling the GDPR reform, the elephant in the room remains.
Cybersecurity Featured Time is running out for EU Member States to decide on Chat Control With just a few days left before the Council is due to take a vote on the controversial proposal, both the public pressure and cross-party outcry may pose a unique challenge to Brussels' usual choreographed votes on long-debated legislation.
Privacy Featured Children, age verification and the future of VPNs in Europe As the EU reviews cybersecurity and privacy laws, VPNs may face new child-protection and age-verification rules. While uncertain, the UK’s messy experience could push the EU toward measures that risk undermining privacy.
Privacy Featured Return of Chat Control: something is rotten in the state of Denmark The Scandinavian state has been a stalwart supporter of CSAM scanning and chat control. Now, they hold the keys to make it a reality.
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.
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.
Featured 4 reasons why we can’t have #ChatControl in the EU The EU Council's vote on CSAM / ChatControl has been postponed to Thursday, June 20th. The proposals, aimed at combating children’s sexual exploitation and abuse online, are problematic from a privacy, value, and technical perspective.
Featured Unmasking the plan to restrict encryption and private messaging in Europe Can European law enforcement agencies force messaging services to crack open the contents of their users' communications to scan for and retain illegal material?
