In-depth analysis of the issues that matter.
Keeping data out of the wrong hands.
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.
EMFA takes effect, aiming to boost plurality, transparency, and journalist protection. Broad media definition, conditional source safeguards, media concentration rules, state funding controls, and a powerful new EU media board raise both hopes and concerns.
The Scandinavian state has been a stalwart supporter of CSAM scanning and chat control. Now, they hold the keys to make it a reality.
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.
EU Justice Ministers met in Copenhagen to discuss targeted GDPR simplification. While the Commission rules out a full review, momentum is growing to ease burdens, especially for SMEs and scale-ups, which are key to Europe's competitiveness.
The Danish EU Presidency is pushing GDPR reform to boost competitiveness, proposing SME-friendly changes like limiting data rights in low-risk cases, simplifying DPIAs, and requiring prior engagement before complaints. Broader reforms may still be needed for hyperscalers.
The EU’s Data Union Strategy aims to boost AI-friendly data use, streamline rules, and expand global data flows. But GDPR remains off the table. Unfair B2B data sharing, lack of incentives for public institutions need more attention.
Tomorrow, Denmark takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU from Poland, leading until December 31, 2025. Here's a look at the key digital priorities on the Danish agenda.
The Commission's fourth simplification package outlined two digital-oriented changes: simplified record-keeping requirements under the GDPR for larger companies, and the introduction of a ‘digital-first’ principle for product legislation.
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.
Yesterday, EU Commissioner Michael McGrath announced that the upcoming Omnibus Simplification Initiative will also include the GDPR. While the core issues with the GDPR are unlikely to be addressed, the EU should consider expanding the discussion to better support European innovators.
Four heavyweight initiatives - the Digital Networks Act, the Digital Fairness Act, updates to Public Procurement Directives, and the much-debated Chat Control - have the potential to radically reshape Europe’s tech landscape, affecting businesses, consumers, and public administrations alike.
Explaining EU innovation, consumer and tech policy
