When data never dies: How better GDPR enforcement could minimise hate and harm
Lax enforcement of the GDPR has had far-reaching consequences for many people and collectives in the EU, especially those most vulnerable. Through a story based on real life experiences of people, this blog highlights the gap between the GDPR’s promise of protection and its current reality of weak enforcement, and the opportunity EU lawmakers have with the ongoing GDPR Procedural Regulations to take bold steps to protect our data rights.
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When data never dies: How better GDPR enforcement could minimise hate and harm
Lax enforcement of the GDPR has had far-reaching consequences for many people and collectives in the EU, especially those most vulnerable. Through a story based on real life experiences of people, this blog highlights the gap between the GDPR’s promise of protection and its current reality of weak enforcement, and the opportunity EU lawmakers have with the ongoing GDPR Procedural Regulations to take bold steps to protect our data rights.
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The EDPB’s Rorschach Test: What the data protection body’s Opinion on AI training Means for GDPR Enforcement
In December 2024, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) released a much-awaited Opinion on AI model training. While the Opinion reaffirmed GDPR principles and underscored the need for robust safeguards, its ambiguities may leave room for regulatory evasion, reinforcing the ongoing struggle between data protection rules and commercial AI development wishes.
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The ePrivacy Regulation proposal has been withdrawn, but the fight for your privacy is far from over
The European Commission's withdrawal of the ePrivacy Regulation proposal is a major setback for privacy rights in Europe, driven by pressure from industry interests and national security concerns. However, EDRi remains committed to advocating for stronger privacy protections, challenging commercial and state surveillance in future legislative efforts.
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12 civil society organisations tell delivery platforms it’s time to deliver answers on how they use algorithms to manage their workers
EDRi member Privacy International and more digital rights groups, together with trade unions, call out food delivery platforms for their algorithmic management of workers. In an open letter co-signed by 12 organisations, they make three clear recommendations for the platforms to improve.
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GDPR Procedural Regulation: A critical opportunity to strengthen cross-border enforcement
As EU negotiators continue trilogue discussions on the GDPR Procedural Regulation, civil society organisations across Europe are raising the alarm: the proposed reforms risk failing to address the long-standing enforcement challenges that have undermined the GDPR’s effectiveness. In a joint letter, EDRi, Access Now and 34 fellow organisations call on policymakers to prioritise robust, rights-centred enforcement mechanisms that ensure individuals can meaningfully exercise their rights.
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Civil Society Demands: European Commission Must Close e-ID Loopholes!
In a coalition of 15 civil society organisations, EDRi member epicenter.works published an open letter demanding that the European Commission close loopholes in the European Digital Identity Wallet. They highlight risks for privacy and transparency in recent eIDAS implementing acts.
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Why Ireland is the Achilles heel of the EU’s fightback against Big Tech
The recent controversies surrounding Big Tech moguls Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg — who are defying content moderation norms and accusing the EU of censorship — should come as no surprise to those following the tech industry closely. For over a decade, Big Tech has approached the EU's robust data protection framework as little more than a compliance checkbox, rather than a set of binding legal obligations.
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Civil society raises concerns over Europol-Egypt cooperation agreements
41 civil society organisations and experts sound the alarm about negotiations on a working agreement between Europol and Egypt. If signed it would risk legitimising illegal practices used by Egyptian police and pave the way for an exchange for personal data.
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Italian DPA’s €5M fine against Glovo marks milestone for workers’ rights
The Italian data protection authority (DPA) recently fined Foodinhio, a subsidiary of Glovo, €5 million for serious breaches of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and labour law. This decision sets a milestone for the use of the GDPR to protect workers' rights across Europe.
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German federal health minister, Shein and Deutsche Bahn ‘awarded’ for worst privacy and data protection offences
In October 2024, EDRi member Digitalcourage held the annual gala for the German BigBrother Awards. The unfortunate “winners” included a minister in the federal government, the police and interior minister in one German state, two international online retailers, a fundamental infrastructure provider and a trend.
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Unpacking digital fairness: What Europe must do now to end the tech industry’s most nefarious tactics
The EU plans to propose a Digital Fairness Act to better protect consumers from deceptive design practices, social media addiction, and pervasive online tracking. We unpack what this means and what the European Commission should do to end Big Tech’s most nefarious tactics.
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Deported for reporting a crime: the paradox of securitisation policies
The review of the Return Directive, which governs detention and deportation procedures in the EU, should not lead to the criminalisation of undocumented people. Rather, it should uphold their fundamental right to personal data protection by establishing firewalls that allow them to report crimes without fears of being deported.
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