May 31, 2017 · Blogs

UK government pushes for companies to weaken encryption

The terrorist attack in Manchester on 22 May has led to a relaunch of the encryption debate in the UK. In December 2016, the UK parliament passed the Investigatory Powers Act. This wide-ranging surveillance law gives government ministers the power to issue Technical Capability Notices (TCNs), which can force companies to modify their products.These powers could […]

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September 7, 2023 · Blogs | Privacy and data protection | Surveillance and data retention

European Parliament’s CULT committee set to greenlight controversial amendment to the EMFA in today’s vote

The European Parliament’s CULT committee is set to vote on the EMFA. The committee is likely to approve the contentious 24-hour must-carry amendment that could make it harder to fight disinformation, and would undermine the Digital Services Act.

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March 6, 2024 · Blogs | Privacy and data protection | Data protection standards

Bits of Freedom launches campaign on DSA user rights

EDRi member in the Netherlands Bits of Freedom has launched a campaign to bring attention to user rights addressed by the European Union's new digital law, the Digital Services Act. On the brand new website, that engages civil society, you can find guidelines on how to enforce your own platform rights.

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July 5, 2022 · Blogs | Highlights | Press releases | Open internet and inclusive technology | Inclusive technologies | Online tracking industry / AdTech | Platform regulation

The DSA should pave the way for systemic change

Today, 5 July, is a victorious day for human rights online as we embark on the next stage in our journey – real alternatives to the currently dominant surveillance business model. The European Parliament’s approval of the Digital Services Act (DSA) will bring many opportunities to limit the huge power Big Tech companies like Google, Meta (Facebook) and Amazon have over people and democracies. However, this regulation is only the first step in ensuring people’s rights online are protected, more work is needed for a better internet. Now, it is imperative that we see strong enforcement by regulatory authorities that will ensure the high human rights standards the new rules promise.

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December 11, 2020 · Blogs | Press mentions | Open internet and inclusive technology | Privacy and data protection | Online tracking industry / AdTech | Platform regulation | Privacy and confidentiality

Big Tech’s dominance: only laws can limit its power

Big Tech companies like Facebook have grown so large that the U.S. antitrust authority F.T.C. is considering breaking them up. We need laws that limit the power tech firms wields over our lives.

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November 3, 2021 · Blogs | On the ground | Information democracy | Disinformation and electoral interference | Platform regulation

Disinformation and propaganda: It’s all political!

The disinformation and propaganda campaigns in the European Union (EU) are inexplicably tied to the political parties that misuse the tools of mass media communications to spread fear and deceit (Euractiv, 2021). The media exemption currently debated within the scope of the Digital Services Act (DSA) that would prevent digital intermediaries from interfering with content posted by media outlets is an early Christmas present to the disinformation agents, as it would enable them to continue with their propaganda production, fueled by algorithmic distribution.

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July 29, 2015 · Blogs

French Constitutional Council approves sweeping surveillance powers

On 23 July, the French Constitutional Council approved sweeping surveillance powers for intelligence agencies. In its decision, the Council declared almost all provisions constitutional, in contradiction to vehement opposition from civil rights groups, human rights experts, academia and the online business sector. The “Loi Renseignement” (also dubbed the “French Patriot Act”) was passed by the […]

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December 1, 2021 · Blogs | Open internet and inclusive technology | Alternatives to dominant digital services | Platform regulation

EU Parliament Takes First Step Towards a Fair and Interoperable Market

The EU’s Proposal for a Digital Market Act (DMA) is an attempt to create a fairer and more competitive market for online platforms in the EU. It sets out a standard for very large platforms, which act as gatekeepers between business users and end users. As gatekeepers “have substantial control over the access to, and are entrenched in digital markets,” the DMA sets out a list of dos and don'ts with which platforms will have to comply.

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August 3, 2021 · Blogs | Open internet and inclusive technology | Artificial intelligence (AI) | Surveillance and data retention

EDRi submits response to the European Commission AI adoption consultation

Today, 3rd of August 2021, European Digital Rights (EDRi) submitted its response to the European Commission’s adoption consultation on the Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA).

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February 2, 2023 · Blogs | Open internet and inclusive technology | Artificial intelligence (AI) | Biometrics | Profiling practices

Emotion (Mis)Recognition: is the EU missing the point?

The European Union is on the cusp of adopting a landmark legislation, the Artificial Intelligence Act. The law aims to enable an European AI market which guarantees safety, and puts people at its heart. But an incredibly dangerous aspect remains largely unaddressed - putting a stop to Europe’s burgeoning 'emotion recognition' market.

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February 10, 2021 · Blogs | EDRi-gram | Privacy and data protection | Data protection standards | Privacy and confidentiality | Surveillance and data retention | Transparency

12 benchmarks for the reform and oversight of intelligence services in Austria

EDRi member epicenter.works presents the benchmarks against which the new reform of the Austrian Federal Agency for State Protection and Counterterrorism must be measured. With these criteria, guided strongly by international standards and jurisdiction, epicenter.works expect the legislative proposals on the reform in the next few weeks, ready to defend fundamental human rights.

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April 29, 2020 · Blogs | Information democracy | Alternatives to dominant digital services | Data protection standards | Disinformation and electoral interference | Freedom of expression online | Platform regulation

Everything you need to know about the DSA

We have created a document pool in which we will be listing relevant articles and documents related to the DSA. This will allow you to follow the developments of content moderation and regulatory actions in Europe.

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