Keeping data out of the wrong hands.
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.
As EU governments discuss the Digital Omnibus, Europe is divided: some see the Omnibus as a necessary step to help European companies, while others cling to rules like the GDPR and the AI Act.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Analysis of EU innovation, consumer and tech policy
