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A study published by EDRi member Asociația pentru Tehnologie și Internet (ApTI) Romania analysed how the recommender algorithms on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok distributed political content, during the 2025 presidential election. The quantitative analysis identified cases in which these social media platforms did not comply with either national electoral laws, nor with EU Regulations, such as the Digital Service Act (DSA). The post How recommender algorithms threaten election integrity appeare

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).

What has the EDRi network been up to over the past few weeks? Find out the latest digital rights news in our bi-weekly newsletter. In this edition: A competitiveness feast with our rights on the menu 🍽️ The post EDRi-gram, 18 February 2026 appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

The Czech Supreme Court has ruled that the legal regulation of blanket collection of electronic communications data (known as data retention) violates European Union law in a "long-term and particularly serious manner." This decision is the result of a multi-year campaign by the organization IuRe. However, the responsible minister has not yet taken steps to end blanket collection. The post Czech ministry apologizes to journalist for blanket collection of mobile phone data appeared first on Europ

EDRi submitted a response to the EU’s new open source digital strategy. We argue that free and open source software is not a niche technical choice, but a strategic foundation for Europe’s resilience, competitiveness and democratic autonomy. The post Europe’s digital sovereignty starts with open source appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

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

EDRi is deeply concerned that the European Commission’s current plans to amend the Better Regulation framework will lead to worse lawmaking, not better. In its submission to the Commission, EDRi shares recommendations to ensure balanced representation, fairness, transparency, and meaningful safeguards in EU lawmaking. The post European Commission’s plans will lead to worse regulations appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

Digital Commons: Infrastructures, Design, and the Ethics of Autonomy is an international conference exploring how digital infrastructures shape contemporary life, and how communities, researchers, and technologists imagine and build alternatives. The post Conference Digital Commons: Infrastructures, Design, and the Ethics of Autonomy appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

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).

Why do our digital systems break people? Conversational AI tools like Grok or ChatGPT are promoted as a means to democratize knowledge and expand access to information. In practice, however, they have also made sexual harassment easier, reproduced harmful stereotypes, and, in some cases, encouraged people to self-harm rather than helping them. These outcomes are not rare glitches. They reveal how conversational AI and social media platforms are built, governed, and deployed at scale. The post Ag

During the State of the Internet, Waag Futurelab takes the annual temperature of the internet. This edition focuses on AI and the limits of our planet. The lecture will be given by Fieke Jansen, co-founder of the Critical Infrastructure Lab. The post The State of the Internet 2026 with Fieke Jansen appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

Media scholars Lucie Chateau and Michael Stevenson, and legal scholar Catalina Goanta on how Big Tech killed the internet. The post Science Cafe: Why the current internet sucks appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels. The post Global Gathering 2026 appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

The European Commission’s dangerous and misguided Digital Omnibus proposal includes a dangerous rollback of transparency requirements in the AI Act. 60 civil society organisations, independent public authorities and individuals, including EDRi, urge EU lawmakers to reject a change that would risk weakening enforcement, legal certainty, and the protection of fundamental rights, while offering negligible benefits for companies. The post AI Omnibus: Reject the proposals to undermine transparency in

EDRi has assessed the Digital Omnibus proposals affecting the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the ePrivacy framework. While presented as simplification, the changes amount to deregulation in effect, weakening fundamental rights safeguards, increasing legal uncertainty, and advancing through a process that falls short of democratic lawmaking standards. The post Reopening GDPR and ePrivacy through the Digital Omnibus: a risky path for EU digital rights appeared first on European Digi

The Digital Omnibus proposal fails to comply with the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Better Regulation rules, EDRi urged the Council to send the proposal back to the Commission for proper scrutiny and comprehensive assessments. The post EDRi urged the Council to demand a proper scrutiny of the Digital Omnibus proposal appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

The European Commission preliminarily found that TikTok was in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA) due to the addictive design of its platform. EDRi welcomes this decision and urges TikTok to swiftly mitigate the risks to which its users are exposed. The post EDRi welcomes EU preliminary findings on TikTok’s addictive platform design appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

The EDRi network strongly condemns the pressure of the US Trump administration on EDRi members and allies for our work on online platform regulation. The post Statement of solidarity with EDRi members and allies facing pressure for their work on platform regulation appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

At the 39th Chaos Communication Congress (39C3), German author Marc-Uwe Kling helped launch the idea of a monthly “Digital Independence Day” with a broad coalition of civil society organisations. On the first Sunday of each month, participants explore alternatives to dominant digital platforms, share experiences using #DIDit, and support one another through volunteer-led online and in-person meet-ups. To date, 189 organisations have joined the initiative, organising over 400 meet-ups. The post #

The European Commission’s new Digital Networks Act threatens to dismantle nearly a decade of net neutrality protections in Europe. What is being presented as a technical update could actually give politicians control power over the open internet, create paid fast lanes, and weaken independent regulators. The post The EU Commission is gutting net neutrality appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

What has the EDRi network been up to over the past few weeks? Find out the latest digital rights news in our bi-weekly newsletter. In this edition: borders, biometrics, billionaires and bots The post EDRi-gram, 4 February 2026 appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

As the UK adequacy renewal comes to an end, EDRi member Open Rights Group reflects on its outcome and the broader implications for the future of EU-UK relatiopnships. The post UK adequacy decision: a risk for the future and a lesson to be learnt appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

19 civil society organisations have penned a letter to the Swiss Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) to express serious concerns about their plans to extend the Swiss Data Retention regime. They call on the Federal Councilor to align Swiss legislation with the highest standards of protection for people’s privacy. The post Open Letter: Civil society concerned about extensive and indiscriminate data retention regime in Switzerland appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

The European Commission has opened a DSA investigation into Grok, X’s AI chatbot. EDRi welcomes this decision and is calling for a swift resolution to this matter, to ensure that X complies fully with its DSA obligations and protects its users. The post Press Release: EDRi calls for swift action as EU probes X’s Grok over AI-generated harm appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

Spyware continues to spread across Europe despite years of scandals and undisputable evidence of fundamental rights violations. As the European Commission remains inactive, civil society, journalists and some lawmakers at the European Parliament are stepping up pressure for accountability. In this context, EDRi is launching a document pool to centralise resources that tracks abuse and support the growing push for a full EU-wide ban of spyware. The post EDRi launches new resource to document abus

Bits of Freedom shares lessons learned while working on “Amsterdam Top400”, an invasive municipality project which involved the use of predictive policing and led to unwanted interference in the private lives of young people. Together with a coalition of professionals from different background and affected individuals, they explored the possibility of holding the municipality of Amsterdam accountable for violations of children’s rights, data protection law, and fundamental freedoms. The post Fig

What has the EDRi network been up to over the past few weeks? Find out the latest digital rights news in our bi-weekly newsletter. In this edition: EDRi’s 2025 year in review, new resource to support an EU spyware ban, DSA delayed in Poland, & more! The post EDRi-gram, 21 January 2026 appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

What has the EDRi network been up to in recent weeks? Discover the latest news on digital rights in our bi-weekly newsletter. In this edition: 2025 is almost over, but we are far from finished in our fight for digital rights. The post "EDRi-gram, December 11, 2025" originally appeared on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

What has the EDRi network been up to over the past few weeks? Find out the latest digital rights news in our bi-weekly newsletter. In this edition: 2025 might be almost over, but we aren’t done fighting for digital rights The post EDRi-gram, 11 December 2025 appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

EDRi affiliate Danes je nov dan launched a multi-faceted campaign in response to a government proposal that would allow the Slovene Intelligence and Security Agency (SOVA) to use invasive spyware and mass surveillance tools under the guise of “national security”. By combining a satirical online tool with targeted advocacy towards lawmakers, their efforts helped generate critical pressure needed to stop the legislation from being adopted. The post How Danes je nov dan helped stop dangerous spywar

The European Ombudsman has found that the Commission disregarded important transparency rules while preparing the Europol Regulation, which is a part of the legislation to "counter migrant smuggling". The inquiry concluded that the Commission didn't provide enough evidence to justify the claims of "urgency" to bypass their own 'Better Regulation' rules, and skipping public consultations, thorough impact assessments and evidence gathering. The post Migrant smuggling laws: European Commission foun

This article highlights alternatives that are evidence-based and strengthen the safety of children, while simultaneously protecting encryption and fundamental rights. It advocates for better enforcement, more targeted tools, and meaningful support for services that focus on child protection, rather than broad surveillance measures. The article "Beyond 'Chat Control': Towards solutions that truly protect children and privacy" originally appeared on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

De Europese Ombudsman heeft vastgesteld dat de Europese Commissie belangrijke transparantiewetten negeerde bij de voorbereiding van de Europol-verordening, die deel uitmaakt van de wetgeving om "menselijke smokkel van migranten" tegen te gaan. Het onderzoek concludeerde dat de Commissie niet voldoende bewijs leverde om de beweringen van "urgentie" te rechtvaardigen, waarmee ze hun eigen regels voor "betere regelgeving" omzeilden, evenals openbare consultaties, grondige impactanalyses en het verzamelen van bewijs. Artikel: Wetgeving tegen menselijke smokkel van migranten: De Europese Commissie...

Dit artikel belicht alternatieven die gebaseerd zijn op bewijs en die de veiligheid van kinderen versterken, terwijl tegelijkertijd de versleuteling en fundamentele rechten worden beschermd. Het pleit voor een betere handhaving, gerichtere instrumenten en zinvolle ondersteuning voor diensten die zich richten op de bescherming van kinderen, in plaats van brede surveillancemaatregelen. Het artikel "Voorbij 'Chatcontrole': naar oplossingen die kinderen en privacy echt beschermen" verscheen oorspronkelijk op European Digital Rights (EDRi).

De EDRi-partner Danes je nov dan lanceerde een veelzijdige campagne als reactie op een overheidsvoorstel dat de Sloveense Inlichtingen- en Veiligheidsdienst (SOVA) zou toestaan om invasieve spionagesoftware en massale surveillancemiddelen te gebruiken, zogenaamd in het belang van de "nationale veiligheid". Door een satirisch online instrument te combineren met gerichte lobbywerkzaamheden gericht op wetgevers, droegen hun inspanningen bij aan de cruciale druk die nodig was om te voorkomen dat de wetgeving werd aangenomen. Het artikel "Hoe Danes je nov dan geholpen heeft om gevaarlijke spionagesoftware te stoppen."

This article highlights evidence-based alternatives that strengthen child safety while safeguarding encryption and fundamental rights. It calls for better enforcement, more targeted tools, and meaningful support for child protection services rather than broad surveillance measures. The post Moving past ‘Chat Control’ to solutions that truly protect kids and privacy appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

Wat heeft het EDRi-netwerk de afgelopen weken gedaan? Ontdek het laatste nieuws over digitale rechten in onze tweewekelijkse nieuwsbrief. In deze editie: 2025 is bijna voorbij, maar we zijn nog lang niet klaar met het vechten voor digitale rechten. De post "EDRi-gram, 11 december 2025" verscheen oorspronkelijk op European Digital Rights (EDRi).

The European Ombudsman has found that the European Commission disregarded important transparency laws during the preparation of the Europol regulation, which is part of the legislation aimed at combating "human smuggling of migrants." The investigation concluded that the Commission did not provide sufficient evidence to justify its claims of "urgency," thereby circumventing its own rules for "better regulation," as well as public consultations, thorough impact assessments, and the gathering of evidence. Article: Legislation against human smuggling of migrants: The European Commission...

The EDRi partner Danes je nov dan launched a multifaceted campaign in response to a government proposal that would allow the Slovenian Intelligence and Security Service (SOVA) to use intrusive spyware and mass surveillance tools, purportedly in the interest of "national security." By combining a satirical online tool with targeted lobbying efforts aimed at lawmakers, their efforts contributed to the crucial pressure needed to prevent the legislation from being passed. The article "How Danes je nov dan helped stop dangerous spyware."

The European Commission took aim at X for breaking the DSA, proof that Europe’s landmark law can bite. Despite political pressure and corporate pushback, the EU is showing that online platforms can and will be held accountable for practices that mislead users, cause harm, or undermine democracy. The post Press Release: EU stands up to Big Tech with €120 million fine to X appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

De Europese Commissie heeft X beboet voor het overtreden van de Digital Services Act (DSA), wat bewijst dat deze baanbrekende Europese wet daadwerkelijk effect kan hebben. Ondanks politieke druk en weerstand van bedrijven, laat de EU zien dat online platforms verantwoordelijk gehouden kunnen en zullen worden voor praktijken die gebruikers misleiden, schade veroorzaken of de democratie ondermijnen. Het bericht "Persbericht: De EU neemt het op tegen grote technologiebedrijven met een boete van 120 miljoen euro voor X" verscheen oorspronkelijk op European Digital Rights (EDRi).

The European Commission has fined X for violating the Digital Services Act (DSA), demonstrating that this groundbreaking European law can actually have an impact. Despite political pressure and resistance from companies, the EU is showing that online platforms can and will be held accountable for practices that mislead users, cause harm, or undermine democracy. The news "Press Release: The EU takes on big tech companies with a €120 million fine for X" originally appeared on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

De uitspraak over de verhouding tussen de Europese Toezichthouder voor Gegevensbescherming (EDPS) en het Single Resolution Board (SRB) raakt de kern van het fundamentele recht op gegevensbescherming binnen de EU en bepaalt hoe kunstmatige intelligentie, dataruimtes en zogenaamde privacy-verbeterende technologieën (PET's) in de praktijk zullen worden gereguleerd. De uitspraak van het Gerechtshof van de Europese Unie (HvJ EU) komt op een cruciaal moment om te herhalen wat als persoonsgegevens wordt beschouwd, en benadrukt het belang van de bescherming die de Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming (AVG) beoogt te waarborgen. De post "Wanneer gegevens betrekking hebben op ons..."

The EDPS vs. Single Resolution Board judgment goes to the heart of the EU’s fundamental right to data protection, shaping how artificial intelligence, data spaces and so-called privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) will be governed in practice. The ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) arrives at a crucial time to reiterate what counts as personal data, reinforcing the importance of the protection that the GDPR was designed to guarantee. The post When data relate to us appe

The ruling concerning the relationship between the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) and the Single Resolution Board (SRB) addresses the core of the fundamental right to data protection within the EU and determines how artificial intelligence, data spaces, and so-called privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) will be regulated in practice. The judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) comes at a crucial moment to reiterate what constitutes personal data and emphasizes the importance of the protection that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) aims to guarantee. The post "When data relates to us..."

What has the EDRi network been up to over the past few weeks? Find out the latest digital rights news in our bi-weekly newsletter. In this edition: Digital Omnibus rolls back rights, age verification misses the mark, data workers behind AI, & more! The post EDRi-gram, 27 November 2025 appeared first on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

What has the EDRi network been up to in recent weeks? Discover the latest news on digital rights in our bi-weekly newsletter. In this edition: The "Digital Omnibus" restricts rights, age verification systems are failing, data workers are behind AI, and more! The article "EDRi-gram, November 27, 2025" originally appeared on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

The new "Digital Omnibus" from the European Commission is presented as a simple "simplification," but in practice, it undermines important safeguards in the GDPR, the ePrivacy regulations, and the AI Act. It would make access to device data easier, weaken restrictions on automated decision-making, and reduce protection against discriminatory AI. The article "Europe Undermines Its Digital Rights From Within" originally appeared on European Digital Rights (EDRi).

De nieuwe "Digital Omnibus" van de Europese Commissie wordt gepresenteerd als een eenvoudige "vereenvoudiging", maar in de praktijk ondermijnt het belangrijke beschermingsmaatregelen in de GDPR, de ePrivacy-regels en de AI-wet. Het zou de toegang tot apparaatgegevens gemakkelijker maken, de beperkingen op geautomatiseerde besluitvorming verzwakken en de bescherming tegen discriminerende AI verminderen. Het artikel "Europa ondermijnt haar digitale rechten van binnenuit" verscheen oorspronkelijk op European Digital Rights (EDRi).

Wat heeft het EDRi-netwerk de afgelopen weken gedaan? Ontdek het laatste nieuws over digitale rechten in onze tweewekelijkse nieuwsbrief. In deze editie: De "Digital Omnibus" beperkt rechten, leeftijdsverificatie faalt, datawerkers achter AI, en meer! Het bericht "EDRi-gram, 27 november 2025" verscheen oorspronkelijk op European Digital Rights (EDRi).