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AI Standards

This new topic is needed to specifically address the role of harmonised standards and standardisation deliverables in the AI Act framework, including their development, adoption, and use in demonstrating compliance with AI system requirements.

harmonised standards harmonized standards standardisation standardization CEN CENELEC ETSI European standards

Overview

26 sources · Feb 17, 2026

Legal Framework

The AI Act establishes codes of practice as central compliance instruments for providers of general-purpose AI models under Recital 117, permitting providers to rely on these codes to demonstrate conformity with regulatory obligations. Recital 150 establishes an Advisory Forum comprising industry, start-ups, SMEs, academia, civil society, and the Fundamental Rights Agency to advise the AI Board and Commission on implementation, ensuring balanced stakeholder representation between commercial and non-commercial interests.

Drawing from the doctrinal interpretation of analogous certification mechanisms under Articles 40 and 42 GDPR, adherence to approved codes or certification schemes serves as an "element" to demonstrate compliance but explicitly does not create a legal presumption or fully relieve the provider of independent verification obligations. The Commission retains authority to establish codes of conduct through implementing acts or adopt common rules where codes prove insufficient. Certification criteria require approval by competent authorities or the Board following procedures analogous to Article 70's two-thirds majority voting requirements for binding decisions within specified timeframes.

Key Developments

The doctrinal analysis establishes that certification and codes function as evidential support tools rather than absolute safe harbors. Under the AI Act framework, this translates to codes of practice providing evidentiary weight for GPAI providers without relieving them of substantive compliance obligations or independent assessment duties. The Advisory Forum structure ensures technical expertise informs standardization while maintaining representation across commercial and non-commercial interests, including specific considerations for SME capacity constraints.

Practical Guidance

  • Treat codes as evidentiary support only: Document how adherence to AI Act codes of practice supports your compliance position while maintaining independent technical documentation and risk assessments, following the doctrinal principle that such adherence constitutes an "element" of proof without creating legal presumptions or relieving independent verification duties (Recital 117, Article 40 GDPR analogy).

  • Monitor Advisory Forum developments: Engage with or track the Advisory Forum established under Recital 150, which includes specific SME, start-up, and civil society representation alongside industry and academia, to anticipate emerging standardization requirements and technical expertise directions that will shape future harmonised standards.

  • Prepare for Commission intervention: Establish compliance frameworks adaptable to Commission implementing acts or common rules if codes of practice prove insufficient for general-purpose AI models, particularly where the Commission determines that generalized codes cannot adequately address specific systemic risks (Recital 117).

  • Maintain independent verification systems: Ensure your conformity assessment processes include criteria beyond certification mechanisms, as doctrinal interpretation confirms that approved certifications do not fully relieve providers of their own obligations under the analogous Article 40(5) framework.

  • Track criteria approval processes: Monitor Board decision-making procedures (analogous to Article 70's two-thirds majority requirement and one-month decision timeframe, extendable for complex cases) for the approval of certification criteria by competent authorities or the Board itself.

Laws (130)

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Case Law (417)

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ECLI:NL:RBLIM:2026:1738 Rechtbank Limburg , 20-02-2026 / 03.374129.24

Rechtbank Limburg

Medeplegen van opzettelijk teweegbrengen van een ontploffing bij een woning.

ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2026:1801 Rechtbank Amsterdam , 19-02-2026 / 13-315820-25

Rechtbank Amsterdam

Vervolgings-EAB Duitsland. Referte. Overlevering toegestaan.

ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2026:3264 Rechtbank Den Haag , 19-02-2026 / NL24.38560

Rechtbank Den Haag

8:29 Awb beslissing, visum kort verblijf, algoritme IOB, wijst het verzoek toe

ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2026:1762 Rechtbank Amsterdam , 18-02-2026 / 13-316587-25

Rechtbank Amsterdam

Vervolgings-EAB Oostenrijk, overlevering toegestaan. Geen weigeringsgronden, terugkeergarantie voldoende.

ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2026:3093 Rechtbank Den Haag , 17-02-2026 / AWB 24/12193

Rechtbank Den Haag

Overplaatsing COA opvang voor meerderjarigen, uitgaan leeftijdsregistratie minister, ongegrond.

ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2026:1705 Rechtbank Amsterdam , 17-02-2026 / 13-323122-25

Rechtbank Amsterdam

Vervolgings-EAB Italië. Overlevering toegestaan. Identiteit van de opgeëiste persoon. De rechtbank gaat ervan uit dat sprake is van een kennelijke verschrijving in de geboortedatum in het EAB. Genoegzaamheidsverweer verworpen. De rechtbank is van oordeel dat sprake is van een genoegzame omschrijving van de strafbare feiten waarvan de opgeëiste persoon in Italië wordt verdacht en dat voldoende duidelijk is in welke mate hij bij deze feiten betrokken zou zijn geweest. Artikel 11 OLW. Detentieomstandigheden in Italië. Verweer raadsman verworpen. In eerdere uitspraak is geen algemeen reëel gevaar van schending van grondrechten meer aangenomen ten aanzien van gedetineerden die een gevangenisstraf uitzitten in Italië. De raadsman heeft geen objectieve, betrouwbare, nauwkeurige en naar behoren bijgewerkte gegevens overgelegd waaruit een algemeen reëel gevaar van schending van artikel 4 Handvest van de grondrechten van de Europese Unie blijkt. Artikel 11 OLW staat dan ook niet aan overlevering van de opgeëiste persoon in de weg.

ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2026:2772 Rechtbank Den Haag , 13-02-2026 / NL25.20256

Rechtbank Den Haag

hersteluitspraak

ECLI:NL:RBOVE:2026:715 Rechtbank Overijssel , 13-02-2026 / ak_25_971

Rechtbank Overijssel

Beroep n.a.v. afwijzing verzoek om inzage in verwerkte persoonsgegevens op grond van de Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming (AVG). Beroep ongegrond. Eiser wil inzage in persoonsgegevens in een adviesrapport van het Regionaal Informatie en Expertise Centrum (RIEC). Er zijn geen aanknopingspunten voor het oordeel dat de burgemeester zich niet op het standpunt heeft kunnen stellen dat de geheimhoudingsplicht op grond van de Wet bevordering integriteitsbeoordelingen door het openbaar bestuur (hierna: de Wet Bibob) ertoe leidt dat de beperking op het recht op inzage noodzakelijk en evenredig is ter waarborging van de rechten en vrijheden van anderen. Daarom heeft de burgemeester een zwaarder gewicht kunnen toekennen aan deze geheimhoudingsplicht dan aan de belangen van eiser bij inzage in (de persoonsgegevens in) het RIEC-advies.

ECLI:NL:RBNNE:2026:389 Rechtbank Noord-Nederland , 13-02-2026 / LEE 24/4934 V

Rechtbank Noord-Nederland

Verzet tegen de uitspraak van 15 oktober 2025. In de uitspraak heeft de rechtbank het beroep kennelijk niet-ontvankelijk heeft verklaard. Opposant heeft tegen de uitspraak aangevoerd dat hij zijn dossier niet toegestuurd heeft gekregen en/of heeft kunnen inzien. Ook stelt hij dat de rechter die de uitspraak van 15 oktober 2025 heeft gedaan zich had moeten verschonen. De rechtbank begrijpt het verzet verder zo dat opposant vindt dat hem wel een beroep op betalingsonmacht toekomt. Tenslotte voert opposant aan dat hij niet wil meewerken aan het girale geldsysteem.

ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2026:1585 Rechtbank Amsterdam , 12-02-2026 / 13/335542-25

Rechtbank Amsterdam

De rechtbank is van oordeel dat er voor gedetineerden in de detentie-instelling Fresnes een algemeen reëel gevaar bestaat dat zij aan een onmenselijke of vernederende behandeling zullen worden blootgesteld in de zin van artikel 4 Handvest. De rechtbank baseert het algemene gevaar voor de detentie-instelling Fresnes op de overbevolkingsproblematiek en de hiervoor weergegeven slechte materiële detentieomstandigheden, het niet-functionerende intercomsysteem en het ontoereikende niveau van de gezondheidszorg. De rechtbank stelt vast dat er voor de opgeëiste persoon een individueel gevaar bestaat van schending van zijn grondrechten wegens de detentieomstandigheden in de detentie-instelling in Fresnes. De rechtbank stelt, ingevolge artikel 11, vierde lid, OLW, een redelijke termijn van 60 dagen.

ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2026:2626 Rechtbank Den Haag , 12-02-2026 / 09/042631-25 en 09/084601-25 (ttz. gev.)

Rechtbank Den Haag

Veroordeling voor voortgezette handeling van medeplegen poging tot moord en medeplegen voorbereidingshandelingen moord of zware mishandeling met voorbedachten rade en veroordeling voor medeplichtigheid aan voorbereidingshandelingen ontploffing teweegbrengen. Gevangenisstraf 12 jaar met aftrek.

ECLI:NL:GHARL:2026:1002 Gerechtshof Arnhem-Leeuwarden , 12-02-2026 / 25/210148

Gerechtshof Arnhem-Leeuwarden

In deze zaak heeft het hof in een procedure op grond van artikel 12 van het Wetboek van Strafvordering geoordeeld dat de officier van justitie een aangifte tegen onder meer twee journalisten ten onrechte heeft geseponeerd. Het hof heeft verder geoordeeld dat een van de journalisten zich alsnog voor de strafrechter moet verantwoorden voor het doen van uitlatingen in een in 2024 gepubliceerd krantenartikel.

ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2026:2640 Rechtbank Den Haag , 12-02-2026 / N25.20256

Rechtbank Den Haag

Asiel Nigeria. Problemen als gevolg van juju-initiatie onvoldoende zwaarwegend. Eiseres ten onrechte niet als alleenstaande vrouw aangemerkt. Onvoldoende gemotiveerd waarom eiseres bij terugkeer naar Nigeria geen reëel risico loopt op ernstige schade vanwege represailles van de mensenhandelaar. Onvoldoende gemotiveerd dat eiseres bij een terugkeer naar Nigeria niet te vrezen heeft dat haar dochters worden besneden. Beroep gegrond.

ECLI:NL:RBZWB:2026:915 Rechtbank Zeeland-West-Brabant , 12-02-2026 / BRE 25/4714

Rechtbank Zeeland-West-Brabant

8:54; beroep niet-ontvankelijk wegens niet betalen griffierecht

ECLI:NL:RVS:2026:746 Raad van State , 11-02-2026 / 202203874/1/A3

Raad van State

Bij besluit van 16 april 2019 heeft de Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens het verzoek van [appellant] om handhavend op te treden tegen Stichting Focus Filmtheater en Focus Horeca B.V. afgewezen. [appellant] wil met contant geld een bioscoopkaartje kunnen kopen bij Focus. In 2018 is Focus verhuisd naar een nieuw pand en sindsdien kunnen bioscoopkaartjes alleen nog met pinpas of creditcard, of online via de website gekocht worden. Ook consumpties in de horecagelegenheid van Focus kunnen alleen nog met pin of creditcard betaald worden. [appellant] vindt dit in strijd met zijn recht op privéleven, omdat daarbij onnodig persoonsgegevens van hem verwerkt worden. Daarom heeft hij de AP verzocht om, met toepassing van de Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming (hierna: AVG) onderzoek te doen naar en handhavend op te treden tegen de afschaffing van de mogelijkheid van contante betalingen door Focus. De AP heeft op basis van bureauonderzoek het niet aannemelijk geacht dat zich mogelijkerwijs een overtreding van de AVG voordoet doordat Focus geen contante betalingen accepteert. De AP heeft het handhavingsverzoek daarom afgewezen.

ECLI:NL:RBGEL:2026:982 Rechtbank Gelderland , 10-02-2026 / 05/339596-24

Rechtbank Gelderland

Veroordeling tot 6 maanden voorwaardelijke gevangenisstraf en 240 uur taakstraf voor oplichting. Verdachte heeft zonder de vereiste erkenning een opslagdienst aangeboden, die eruit bestond lichaamsmateriaal (melktanden, navelstrengbloed en navelstrengweefsel) van pasgeborenen en jonge kinderen op te slaan, waarbij hij op websites en in de schriftelijke en mondelinge communicatie met de slachtoffers in strijd met de waarheid de indruk wekte dat de stamcellen uit dit materiaal later zouden kunnen worden gebruikt in een behandeling van diverse ernstige ziekten als kanker, bloed- en immuunziekten. De vorderingen van twintig benadeelde partijen zijn toegewezen met betrekking tot gevorderde materiële schade. De vorderingen zijn ten aanzien van de gevorderde immateriële schade niet-ontvankelijk verklaard.

ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2026:1393 Rechtbank Amsterdam , 10-02-2026 / 13-313776-25

Rechtbank Amsterdam

Executie-EAB uit Hongarije. Verweer ten aanzien van het ontbreken van dubbele strafbaarheid verworpen: nu kortgezegd voldoende is dat zij onder enige Nederlandse strafbepaling valt. De overige aspecten vallen buiten de reikwijdte van de OLW. Verweer ten aanzien van de stelselevenredigheid verworpen. Gelijkstellingsverweer verworpen nu geen stukken daartoe zijn overgelegd. Verweer ten aanzien van de Hongaarse detentieomstandigheden verworpen, nu geen sprake is van een algemeen gevaar, komt de rb niet toe aan de beoordeling van een individueel gevaar. Overlevering toegestaan.

ECLI:NL:RBZWB:2026:779 Rechtbank Zeeland-West-Brabant , 09-02-2026 / BRE 24/7290

Rechtbank Zeeland-West-Brabant

BRE 24/7290 tot en met BRE 24/7293; 8:54; beroepen niet-ontvankelijk wegens niet betalen griffierecht

ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2026:1332 Rechtbank Amsterdam , 05-02-2026 / 1326539625

Rechtbank Amsterdam

executie-EAB Polen, overlevering toestaan, artikel 11 OLW, artikel 12 OLW, afzien van weigeren

ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2026:3082 Rechtbank Den Haag , 04-02-2026 / NL25.46244

Rechtbank Den Haag

AA, Somalië, gegrond, taalanalyse, vergewisplicht.

Guidance (82)

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Besluit vergunning collectief winkelverbod Winkelcentrum Holtenbroek (Zwolle)

AP

VergunningenAP, Besluit vergunning collectief winkelverbod Winkelcentrum Holtenbroek (Zwolle)

Richtsnoeren 8/2020 betreffende de targeting van gebruikers van sociale media

guidelines targeting gebruikers sociale media

Version history

Guidelines on articles 46 (2) (a) and 46 (3) (b) of Regulation 2016/679 for transfers of personal data between EEA and non-EEA public authorities and bodies

Richtsnoeren 3/2018 over het territoriale toepassingsgebied van de AVG (artikel 3)

guidelines territoriaal toepassingsgebied AVG

Richtsnoeren 06/2020 inzake de wisselwerking tussen de tweede richtlijn betalingsdiensten en de AVG

guidelines wisselwerking toepassing artikel 3 en hoofdstuk V AVG

Guidelines 02/2024 on Article 48 GDPR

Article 48 GDPR provides that: ' Any judgment of a court or tribunal and any decision of an administrative authority of a third country requiring a controller or processor to transfer or disclose personal data may only be recognised or enforceable in any manner if based on an international agreement, such as a mutual legal assistance treaty, in force between the requesting third country and the Union or a Member State, without prejudice to other grounds for transfer...

Version history

Versiegeschiedenis

Richtsnoeren 9/2020 inzake relevant en gemotiveerd bezwaar overeenkomstig Verordening 2016/679

Guidelines 1/2018 on certification and identifying certification criteria in accordance with Articles 42 and 43 of the Regulation

Guidelines on certification and identifying certification criteria

Richtsnoeren 04/2021 voor gedragscodes als instrumenten voor doorgifte

Volgens artikel 46 van de AVG moeten verwerkingsverantwoordelijken/verwerkers passende waarborgen bieden voor de doorgifte van persoonsgegevens aan derde landen of internationale organisaties. Daarom worden in de AVG de verschillende passende waarborgen aangegeven die organisaties op grond van artikel 46 kunnen gebruiken voor doorgiften aan derde landen, onder meer door gedragscodes in te voeren als nieuw doorgiftemechanisme (artikel 40, lid 3, en artikel 46, lid 2, punt ...

Richtsnoeren 01/2021

Richtsnoeren 10/2020 met betrekking tot de beperkingen krachtens artikel 23 AVG

guidelines beperkingen rechten van betrokkenen

Guidelines 1/2019 on Codes of Conduct and Monitoring Bodies under Regulation 2016/679

Guidelines on codes of conduct and monitoring bodies

Guidelines 05/2020 on consent under Regulation 2016/679

Guidelines on consent

Guidelines 02/2021 on virtual voice assistants

Guidelines on virtual voice assistants

A virtual voice assistant (VVA) is a service that understands voice commands and executes them or mediates with other IT systems if needed. VVAs are currently available on most smartphones and tablets, traditional computers, and, in the latest years, even standalone devices like smart speakers. VVAs act as interface between users and their computing devices and online services such as search engines or online shops. Due to their role, VVAs have access to a huge amount of personal...

Guidelines 07/2022 on certification as a tool for transfers

Guidelines on certification and identifying certification criteria

The GDPR requires in its Article 46 that data exporters shall put in place appropriate safeguards for transfers of personal data to third countries or international organisations. To that end, the GDPR diversifies the appropriate safeguards that may be used by data exporters under Article 46 for framing transfers to third countries by introducing, amongst others, certification as a new transfer mechanism (Articles 42 (2) and 46 (2) (f) GDPR). These guidelines provide guidance as to the applicati...

Guidelines 04/2021 on Codes of Conduct as tools for transfers

Guidelines on codes of conduct and monitoring bodies

The GDPR requires in its Article 46 that controllers/processors shall put in place appropriate safeguards for transfers of personal data to third countries or international organisations. To that end, the GDPR diversifies the appropriate safeguards that may be used by organisations under Article 46 for framing transfers to third countries by introducing amongst others, codes of conduct as a new transfer mechanism (articles 40-3 and 46-2-e). In this respect, as provi...

Guidelines 1/2020 on processing personal data in the context of connected vehicles and mobility related applications

Guidelines on processing of personal data through video devices

Richtsnoeren 3/2022 betreffende het herkennen en vermijden van misleidende ontwerppatronen in de interfaces van socialemediaplatforms

guidelines misleidende ontwerppatronen

Deze richtsnoeren bieden praktische aanbevelingen aan aanbieders van sociale media als verwerkingsverantwoordelijken van sociale media, ontwerpers en gebruikers van socialemediaplatforms, over het beoordelen en vermijden van zogenaamde 'misleidende ontwerp patronen' in de interfaces van sociale media die inbreuk maken op de vereisten van de AVG. Daartoe beveelt de EDPB aan dat verwerkingsverantwoordelijken gebruikmaken van interdisciplinaire teams, bestaande uit onder meer ontwerpers, func...

Enforcement (161)

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Municipality of Tilburg: Insufficient legal basis for data processing

€25,000 fine - Dutch Supervisory Authority for Data Protection (AP)

The Dutch DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 25,000 on the Municipality of Tilburg. The controller, one of ten municipalities that were fined, processed data regarding the Islamic community in its municipality using a force field analysis, for which it employed an external processor. This processing took place at a time of heightened societal concern about Islamic extremism and terrorism. During this period, the Dutch government and the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism stepped u

Municipality of Huizen: Insufficient legal basis for data processing

€25,000 fine - Dutch Supervisory Authority for Data Protection (AP)

The Dutch DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 25,000 on the Municipality of Huizen. The controller, one of ten municipalities that were fined, processed data regarding the Islamic community in its municipality using a force field analysis, for which it employed an external processor. This processing took place at a time of heightened societal concern about Islamic extremism and terrorism. During this period, the Dutch government and the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism stepped up

Municipality of Haarlemmermeer: Insufficient legal basis for data processing

€25,000 fine - Dutch Supervisory Authority for Data Protection (AP)

The Dutch DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 25,000 on the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer. The controller, one of ten municipalities that were fined, processed data regarding the Islamic community in its municipality using a force field analysis, for which it employed an external processor. This processing took place at a time of heightened societal concern about Islamic extremism and terrorism. During this period, the Dutch government and the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism st

Municipality of Gooise Meren: Insufficient legal basis for data processing

€25,000 fine - Dutch Supervisory Authority for Data Protection (AP)

The Dutch DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 25,000 on the Municipality of Gooise Meren. The controller, one of ten municipalities that were fined, processed data regarding the Islamic community in its municipality using a force field analysis, for which it employed an external processor. This processing took place at a time of heightened societal concern about Islamic extremism and terrorism. During this period, the Dutch government and the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism step

Municipality of Eindhoven: Insufficient legal basis for data processing

€25,000 fine - Dutch Supervisory Authority for Data Protection (AP)

The Dutch DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 25,000 on the Municipality of Eindhoven. The controller, one of ten municipalities that were fined, processed data regarding the Islamic community in its municipality using a force field analysis, for which it employed an external processor. This processing took place at a time of heightened societal concern about Islamic extremism and terrorism. During this period, the Dutch government and the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism stepped

Municipality of Ede: Insufficient legal basis for data processing

€25,000 fine - Dutch Supervisory Authority for Data Protection (AP)

The Dutch DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 25,000 on the Municipality of Ede. The controller, one of ten municipalities that were fined, processed data regarding the Islamic community in its municipality using a force field analysis, for which it employed an external processor. This processing took place at a time of heightened societal concern about Islamic extremism and terrorism. During this period, the Dutch government and the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism stepped up me

Municipality of Delft: Insufficient legal basis for data processing

€25,000 fine - Dutch Supervisory Authority for Data Protection (AP)

The Dutch DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 25,000 on the Municipality of Delft. The controller, one of ten municipalities that were fined, processed data regarding the Islamic community in its municipality using a force field analysis, for which it employed an external processor. This processing took place at a time of heightened societal concern about Islamic extremism and terrorism. During this period, the Dutch government and the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism stepped up

Municipality of Zoetermeer: Insufficient legal basis for data processing

€25,000 fine - Dutch Supervisory Authority for Data Protection (AP)

The Dutch DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 25,000 on the Municipality of Zoetermeer. The controller, one of ten municipalities that were fined, processed data regarding the Islamic community in its municipality using a force field analysis, for which it employed an external processor. This processing took place at a time of heightened societal concern about Islamic extremism and terrorism. During this period, the Dutch government and the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism steppe

Municipality of Veenendaal: Insufficient legal basis for data processing

€25,000 fine - Dutch Supervisory Authority for Data Protection (AP)

The Dutch DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 25,000 on the Municipality of Veenendaal. The controller, one of ten municipalities that were fined, processed data regarding the Islamic community in its municipality using a force field analysis, for which it employed an external processor. This processing took place at a time of heightened societal concern about Islamic extremism and terrorism. During this period, the Dutch government and the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism steppe

Municipality of Hilversum: Insufficient legal basis for data processing

€25,000 fine - Dutch Supervisory Authority for Data Protection (AP)

The Dutch DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 25,000 on the Municipality of Hilversum. The controller, one of ten municipalities that were fined, processed data regarding the Islamic community in its municipality using a force field analysis, for which it employed an external processor. This processing took place at a time of heightened societal concern about Islamic extremism and terrorism. During this period, the Dutch government and the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism stepped

ONE WAY PRIVATE COMPANY: Non-compliance with general data processing principles

€80,000 fine - Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA)

The Greek DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 80,000 on ONE WAY PRIVATE COMPANY. The fined entity is the processor of Thessaloniki–Thessaly Gas Supply Company S.A. (ETid-3016). The processor, a call center involved in direct marketing activities, had implemented a system to check whether consent had been given to contact a specific person. However, this system could be bypassed or ignored by the operator, resulting in data subjects being contacted without their consent. Furthermore, the controller had

SIGMA & KAPPA IMPORTING SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME: Insufficient technical and organisational measures to ensure information security

€10,000 fine - Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA)

The Greek DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 10,000 on SIGMA & KAPPA IMPORTING SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME. The fined entity is the processor of Thessaloniki–Thessaly Gas Supply Company S.A. (ETid-3016). The processor, a call center involved in direct marketing activities, had not implemented sufficient technical and organisational measures to prevent operators from calling data subjects who had not given their consent for direct marketing calls.

REVMA PLUS Retail S.A.: Insufficient technical and organisational measures to ensure information security

€5,000 fine - Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA)

The Greek DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 5,000 on REVMA PLUS Retail S.A.. The fined entity is the processor of Thessaloniki–Thessaly Gas Supply Company S.A. (ETid-3016). The processor, a call center involved in direct marketing activities, suffered a technical error in its system that prevented operators from calling data subjects that had not given their consent for direct marketing calls. The processor also failed to inform the controller of the technical error.

Vodafone España, S.A.U.: Overtreding van de algemene principes voor gegevensverwerking.

Een boete van 5.000 euro - opgelegd door de Spaanse Autoriteit voor Gegevensbescherming (AEPD).

De Spaanse telecommunicatie- en informatiestructuur (SETSI) heeft besloten dat Vodafone een klant moest vergoeden voor kosten die ten onrechte aan hem waren doorbelast. Desondanks heeft Vodafone persoonlijke gegevens van deze betreffende klant doorgegeven aan een kredietregistratiebureau (BADEXCUG). De AEPD (Spaanse Autoriteit voor Gegevensbescherming) heeft geconstateerd dat dit gedrag in strijd is met het beginsel van juistheid.

Vodafone España, S.A.U.: Non-compliance with general data processing principles

€5,000 fine - Spanish Data Protection Authority (aepd)

The spanish telecommunications and informations agancy (SETSI) decided Vodafone had to reimburse a customer for costs he was wrongfully charged for. Nevertheless, Vodafone reported personal data of this respective customer to a solvency registry (BADEXCUG). The AEPD found this behaviour violated the principle of accuracy.

Comune di Nave: Insufficient legal basis for data processing

€6,000 fine - Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante)

The Italian DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 6,000 on the Commune di Nave. The controller has installed an automatic licence plate recognition system which processes data on when a car passes a specific control point. This data is stored for seven days, after which it is automatically deleted. The system is also connected to the Motor Vehicle Registry and automatically verifies the passing vehicle's insurance coverage, periodic inspection and environmental class. This data processing occurred witho

Istituto Comprensivo Centro di Casalecchio di Reno: Insufficient fulfilment of data subjects rights

€2,000 fine - Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante)

The Italian DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 2,000 on Istituto Comprensivo Centro di Casalecchio di Reno. The controller published a ranking of its teachers on its website without a sufficient legal basis.

Istituto Comprensivo Centro in Casalecchio di Reno: Onvoldoende naleving van de rechten van betrokkenen.

Een boete van 2.000 euro - opgelegd door de Italiaanse Autoriteit voor Gegevensbescherming (Garante).

De Italiaanse gegevensbeschermingsautoriteit heeft een boete van 2.000 euro opgelegd aan Istituto Comprensivo Centro di Casalecchio di Reno. De verantwoordelijke organisatie publiceerde een ranglijst van haar docenten op haar website zonder voldoende juridische basis.

Comune di Tuscania: Non-compliance with general data processing principles

€12,000 fine - Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante)

The Italian DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 12,000 on the Commune di Tuscania. The controller had been using video surveillance and licence plate recognition within its territory for the purposes of territorial security and supervising separate waste collection at recycling centers. However, the controller did not put up any relevant signs containing the privacy policy or warning signs. The controller also failed to enter into data processing agreements with processors handling data on its behalf,

SPRINTER MEGACENTROS DEL DEPORTE, S.L.: Onvoldoende technische en organisatorische maatregelen om de informatiebeveiliging te waarborgen.

1.560.000 euro boete - Spaanse Autoriteit voor Gegevensbescherming (AEPD).

De Spaanse autoriteit voor gegevensbescherming (DPA) heeft SPRINTER MEGACENTROS DEL DEPORTE, S.L. een boete van 1.560.000 euro opgelegd. De verantwoordelijke partij is het slachtoffer geworden van een cyberaanval als gevolg van onvoldoende technische en organisatorische maatregelen om de gegevensbeveiliging te waarborgen. Bovendien heeft de verantwoordelijke partij de betrokken personen die door de inbreuk zijn getroffen, niet voldoende geïnformeerd. De oorspronkelijke boete van 2.600.000 euro is verlaagd tot 1.560.000 euro vanwege de directe betaling en de erkenning van verantwoordelijkheid door de verantwoordelijke partij.

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New Dutch government to be sworn in under centrist Rob Jetten

At 38, the D66 leader is set to become the Netherlands’ youngest prime minister and its first openly gay leader

AI-generated imagery and protection of privacy: EDPB supports joint Global Privacy Assembly’s statement

Brussels, 23 February - EDPB Chair Anu Talus has signed a Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy on behalf of the EDPB. The statement, coordinated by the Global Privacy Assembly's (GPA) International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group (IEWG), represents the united position of 61 authorities across the world. This reflects the Board’s commitment to contributing to the global dialogue on data protection as outlined in the fourth pillar of its work programme 2026-2

Fishermen protest as Spain’s wind power boom heads offshore

Floating turbines offer a solution where seas are too deep for conventional towers – but locals in Galicia fear the impact on their centuries-old maritime tradition

Terrible storms turn Spain into electricity price utopia

Renewables-centric Iberian Peninsula reaps record-low prices – but pays price for lack of EU cables

EFF’s Policy on LLM-Assisted Contributions to Our Open-Source Projects

We recently introduced a policy governing large language model (LLM) assisted contributions to EFF's open-source projects. At EFF, we strive to produce high quality software tools, rather than simply generating more lines of code in less time. We now explicitly require that contributors understand the code they submit to us and that comments and documentation be authored by a human. LLMs excel at producing code that looks mostly human generated, but can often have underlying bugs that can b

Commission to stop tracking data centre usage in simplification push

The move to simplify data centre efficiency reporting comes despite estimates suggesting that 75% to 85% of servers sit idle at any one time

EFF to Wisconsin Legislature: VPN Bans Are Still a Terrible Idea

Wisconsin’s S.B. 130 / A.B. 105 is a spectacularly bad idea. It’s an age-verification bill that effectively bans VPN access to certain websites for Wisconsinites and censors lawful speech. We wrote about it last November in our blog “Lawmakers Want to Ban VPNs—And They Have No Idea What They're Doing,” but since then, the bill has passed the State Assembly and is scheduled for a vote in the State Senate tomorrow. In light of this, EFF sent a letter to the entire Wisconsin Legislature urging

US pressure on the Digital Services Act in the Netherlands

On 3 February 2026, the United States House Committee on the Judiciary launched a report in which EDRi member Bits of Freedom and Justice for Prosperity, among others, are called "censorous NGOs". In response, Bits of Freedom and Justice for Prosperity are issuing the following statement. The post US pressure on the Digital Services Act in the Netherlands appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

Ensuring human rights-based, global perspectives in the DSA enforcement: the DSA Human Rights Alliance’s guidelines

The DSA Human Rights Alliance has released 'Principles for a Human Rights-Centred Application of the Digital Services Act: A Global Perspective' to guide the European Commission, national policymakers, and regulators as the DSA moves from legislation to enforcement. The recommendations focus on the cross-border effects of DSA enforcement, empowering diverse groups to enforce users’ rights and providing input during enforcement actions. This will ensure that the law is applied in a way that respe

THE HACK: Commissioner Micallef keen on AI copyright licensing

In today's edition: Parliament blocks AI features, MEPs meet MAGA committee amid censorship attacks

Carney lobbies Starmer over defense bank

Canadian leader pitched British counterpart on nascent Defense Security and Resilience Bank, as industry and backbench calls mount for the U.K. to take part.

INTERVIEW: Commission is keen on AI licensing for copyrighted works

Culture Commissioner Glenn Micallef warns AI is one of the main threats to the sector's working conditions

New Report Helps Journalists Dig Deeper Into Police Surveillance Technology

Report from EFF, Center for Just Journalism, and IPVM Helps Cut Through Sales HypeSAN FRANCISCO — A new report released today offers journalists tips on cutting through the sales hype about police surveillance technology and report accurately on costs, benefits, privacy, and accountability as these invasive and often ineffective tools come to communities across the nation. The “Selling Safety” report is a joint project of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), the Center for Just Journalism (

Far right on track for major victory in French Riviera, poll shows

Le Pen ally has 10-point lead over center-right incumbent in race to lead Nice.

San Jose Can Protect Immigrants by Ending Flock Surveillance System

(This appeared as an op-ed published February 12, 2026 in the San Jose Spotlight, written by Huy Tran (SIREN), Jeffrey Wang (CAIR-SFBA), and Jennifer Pinsof.) As ICE and other federal agencies continue their assault on civil liberties, local leaders are stepping up to protect their communities. This includes pushing back against automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, which are tools of mass surveillance that can be weaponized against immigrants, political dissidents and other targets. In rec

China wants ‘new level’ in Germany ties, Beijing’s FM tells Merz

Deep economic ties between the two countries have frayed in recent years

Washington and Ukraine remain centre of attention on second day of Munich

Mediating ties between allies and addressing the ongoing war in Europe dominated discussions on Saturday

Making GDPR compliance easier through new initiatives: a key focus of the EDPB work programme 2026-2027

Brussels, 13 February - The EDPB has recently adopted its work programme for 2026-2027, which is grounded in the four pillars of the EDPB strategy 2024-2027. The work programme is based on the priorities set out in the EDPB strategy and it also takes into account the commitments made in the Helsinki Statement on enhanced clarity, support and engagement aimed at making GDPR compliance easier, strengthening consistency, and boosting cross-regulatory cooperation. Easing compliance is at the top of

Discord Voluntarily Pushes Mandatory Age Verification Despite Recent Data Breach

Discord has begun rolling out mandatory age verification and the internet is, understandably, freaking out. At EFF, we’ve been raising the alarm about age verification mandates for years. In December, we launched our Age Verification Resource Hub to push back against laws and platform policies that require users to hand over sensitive personal information just to access basic online services. At the time, age gates were largely enforced in polities where it was mandated by law. Now they’re landi

Information Integrity & Wikipedia: How community-governed platforms can inform future policy-making.

The event will give the opportunity to the researchers, the University of Amsterdam and Eurecat – Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, to showcase the results of their analyses, presenting the policy options that can inform future policy-making. The post Information Integrity & Wikipedia: How community-governed platforms can inform future policy-making. appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).