EU Archives | Page 21 of 49 | Digital Watch Observatory

Europe cracks down on Shein for misleading consumers

The European Commission and national consumer protection authorities have determined that online fashion giant Shein is in breach of six EU consumer laws, giving the company one month to bring its practices into compliance.

Announced today, the findings from the European Commission mark the latest in a string of regulatory actions against e-commerce platforms based in China, as the EU intensifies efforts to hold international marketplaces accountable for deceptive practices and unsafe goods.

Michael McGrath, the commissioner for consumer protection, stated: ‘We will not shy away from holding e-commerce platforms to account, regardless of where they are based.’

The investigation, launched in February, identified violations such as fake discounts, high-pressure sales tactics, misleading product labelling, and hidden customer service contact details.

Authorities are also examining whether Shein’s product ranking and review systems mislead consumers, as well as the platform’s contractual terms with third-party sellers.

She i n responded by saying it is working ‘constructively’ with authorities and remains committed to addressing concerns raised during the investigation.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

EU workshop gathers support and scrutiny for the DSA

A packed conference centre in Brussels hosted over 200 stakeholders on 7 May 2025, as the European Commission held a workshop on the EU’s landmark Digital Services Act (DSA).

The pioneering law aims to protect users online by obliging tech giants—labelled as Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines (VLOPSEs)—to assess and mitigate systemic risks their services might pose to society at least once a year, instead of waiting for harmful outcomes to trigger regulation.

Rather than focusing on banning content, the DSA encourages platforms to improve internal safeguards and transparency. It was designed to protect democratic discourse from evolving online threats like disinformation without compromising freedom of expression.

Countries like Ukraine and Moldova are working closely with the EU to align with the DSA, balancing protection against foreign aggression with open political dialogue. Others, such as Georgia, raise concerns that similar laws could be twisted into tools of censorship instead of accountability.

The Commission’s workshop highlighted gaps in platform transparency, as civil society groups demanded access to underlying data to verify tech firms’ risk assessments. Some are even considering stepping away from such engagements until concrete evidence is provided.

Meanwhile, tech companies have already rolled back a third of their disinformation-related commitments under the DSA Code of Conduct, sparking further concern amid Europe’s shifting political climate.

Despite these challenges, the DSA has inspired interest well beyond EU borders. Civil society groups and international institutions like UNESCO are now pushing for similar frameworks globally, viewing the DSA’s risk-based, co-regulatory approach as a better alternative to restrictive speech laws.

The digital rights community sees this as a crucial opportunity to build a more accountable and resilient information space.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

DW Weekly #213 – The UAE’s AI campus | Cybersecurity’s turbulent sea | The race for space, quantum, and supercomputing

16 – 23 May 2025

Animal, Camel, Mammal, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Horse, Bird

Dear readers,

The UAE is going to have ‘the world’s largest AI campus outside the USA‘

In the past week, we have seen the United Arab Emirates surging to the forefront of the global AI and infrastructure race, with announcements such as the world’s largest AI campus outside the USA, a 10-square-mile, 5-gigawatt facility in Abu Dhabi led by G42, backed by a $200 billion deal sealed during President Trump’s Gulf tour as part of the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership.

Further amplifying this momentum, G42 and OpenAI are collaborating on the Stargate Initiative, a massive AI data facility. At the same time, du and Microsoft have launched a $544 million AI data centre to boost regional computing power. Meanwhile, the UAE’s EDGE Group unveiled an AI accelerator to advance defence and technology innovation.

Additionally, the UAE is opening to cryptocurrency, as Ripple has introduced cross-border blockchain payments in the United Arab Emirates, aiming to boost cryptocurrency adoption in the region.

Navigating cybersecurity’s turbulent sea

The cybersecurity landscape resembled a turbulent sea in the week behind us, with threats and policy shifts challenging AI governance and digital policy worldwide. Japan has taken a bold step forward, enacting its Active Cyberdefence Law to allow preemptive offensive cyber operations, marking a historic shift from its pacifist stance to counter escalating threats from state-sponsored actors.

Across the Pacific, US lawmakers are grappling with a reported one-day pause in offensive cyber operations against Russia, raising questions about strategic shifts in digital warfare amid geopolitical tensions.

In Europe, the Netherlands has expanded its espionage laws to include cyber activities, imposing up to 12 years in prison for digital spying, reflecting a broader push to secure critical infrastructure.

Adding to the turmoil, Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, suffered a cyberattack costing up to $400 million, underscoring vulnerabilities in the private sector’s digital defences.

Electrical Device, Solar Panels, Astronomy, Outer Space, Satellite

The race for space, quantum, and supercomputing

The global race for dominance in space, quantum, and supercomputing is accelerating. China is leading the charge with the launch of its first AI-powered satellites, forming an orbital supercomputer network designed to process vast datasets in space, bolstering its strategic edge in AI-driven defence and communications.

Meanwhile, Taiwan is intensifying its terrestrial efforts, unveiling a new NVIDIA-powered supercomputer to enhance its AI capabilities, confirming itself as a key player in the global tech supply chain amid rising geopolitical tensions.

On the quantum frontier, Google’s breakthrough with a new quantum chip, capable of simulating complex systems and hinting at multiverse-like computational possibilities, is a new transformative potential of quantum computing for AI innovation.

Digital policy highlights

The European Commission is taking significant steps to create a safer online environment for children by introducing draft guidelines under the Digital Services Act.

President Donald Trump is expected to sign the Take It Down Act, which will criminalise the sharing of explicit images, whether real or AI-generated, without consent.

The UK government has suffered a second defeat in the House of Lords over its Data (Use and Access) Bill, as peers once again backed a copyright-focused amendment to protect artists from AI content scraping.

Russia’s Ministry of Justice is working on legislation that would classify crypto assets as property, enabling their confiscation during criminal investigations.

Event reminder:

If you are based in Geneva, today, 23 May, is the last day to register for the luncheon debate with Doreen Bogdan Martin, Secretary-General of ITU hosted by FSPI, which will be held on Monday, 26 May. Overlapping with the luncheon is ILO’s webinar officially launching a new guide on the digitalisation and blending of training programmes. Monday also marks the start of the next TSAG meeting in Geneva, which will wrap up on Friday, 30 May.

Nestled in the middle of the week, on Wednesday, 28 May, is our briefing for diplomats on the UN80 Initiative, AI, and digital governance (for inquiries, contact us at geneva@diplomacy.edu.) Later in the day, UNHCR, UNDP, IOM, UNICC and the Permanent Mission of Switzerland will officially launch the Digital Hub of Treasury Solutions (DHoTS) during an event where participants will discuss how digital innovation is reshaping the future of aid delivery.

For the main updates, reflections and events, consult the RADAR, the READING CORNER and the UPCOMING EVENTS section below.

DW Team

RADAR

Highlights from the week of 16 – 23 May 2025

bitcoin coin closeup black background background with cryptocurrency

Bitcoin hits all-time high above $111K

Investors are shifting into Bitcoin as long-term bonds lose their appeal as traditional safe havens.

BRICS conclude Understanding on Data Economy Governance

Trade Ministers of the BRICS approved the Data Economy Governance Understanding, aiming to promote a fair data economy among BRICS nations and establishing a roadmap.

Crypto.com gains EU approval for crypto derivatives

The firm acquired Cyprus-based A.N. Allnew Investments to gain regulatory approval and expand its reach under the EU’s financial regulations.

Google US Department of justice Trump Antitrust Chrome

Judge rules Google must face chatbot lawsuit

The lawsuit alleges an AI chatbot manipulated a vulnerable teen by acting as a therapist and romantic partner before he died by suicide in February 2024.

EU funds African science with €500 million in new initiative

Horizon Europe backs African innovation and health projects

Pakistan sets up digital asset authority

Finance officials say the new authority will help Pakistan lead the global blockchain race.

Pavel Durov rejects French request to block political channels

France denies accusations that it tried to pressure Telegram into political censorship.

researchers validate quantum mimicry of organic molecules

New quantum method mimics molecular chemistry efficiently

Ion-based simulation offers a scalable quantum chemistry breakthrough.

Democrats shift stance on GENIUS Act

The Senate has advanced the GENIUS Act after reaching a bipartisan deal on new stablecoin rules.

Coinbase hit by breach and SEC probe ahead of S&P 500 entry

Coinbase declines ransom, offers $20 million reward for information on hackers.

closeup shot of the waving flag of the united nations with interesting

The UN calls for urgent regulation of military AI

Recently, 96 countries met at the UN to discuss AI-powered weapons, expanding the conversation to include human rights, criminal law, and ethics, with a push for legally binding agreements by 2026.

View all updates

READING CORNER

Between theory and practice: Rethinking diplomatic theory – Diplo

Diplomatic theory says: follow orders. Practice shows: shape reality. Between theory and practice lies the diplomat’s quiet craft. Aldo Matteucci asks if theory can catch up.

Compromise is not a dirty word – It’s the glue holding us together – Diplo

What does ‘compromise’ truly mean, and why does the word so often carry negative connotations?

The rise of tech giants in healthcare: How AI is reshaping life sciences

AI-powered tools from Google, IBM, and startups improve diagnostics, clinical documentation, and patient care, reducing clinician workloads and enhancing healthcare outcomes worldwide.

Can the Vatican mediate peace today? – Diplo

The Vatican’s potential role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine highlights its historical significance in diplomacy. Amid today’s geopolitical complexities, Pope Leo XIV’s initiative, alongside the Community of Sant’Egidio’s proven mediation successes, embodies the Vatican’s unique moral authority.

UPCOMING EVENTS

FORUM SUISSE DE POLITIQUE INTERNATIONALE

26 May 2025, 11:45h – 14:00h

FSPI-BSCC lunch debate with Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of ITU

The event’s theme will be ‘Bridging the Digital Divide in the AI Era’.

26 May 2025, 13:00h – 14:00h

Digitalisation and blending of training programmes

The International Labour Organization (ILO) will host an online presentation to launch a new practical guide on the digitalisation and blending of training programmes, on 25 May 2025.

26 May 2025 – 30 May 2025

ITU Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group (TSAG) May 2025

The International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group (TSAG) will hold its first meeting of the 2025–2028 study period from 26 to 30 May 2025 at ITU headquarters in Geneva.

27 May 2025 – 30 May 2025

International Conference on Cyber Conflict (CyCon) 2025

The 17th International Conference on Cyber Conflict (CyCon 2025), organised by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), will take place from 27 to 30 May 2025.

27 May 2025 – 30 May 2025

IGF Brazil 2025

The 15th edition of IGF Brazil (Fórum da Internet no Brasil (FIB15)) will take place from 26 to 30 May, 2025, at the Fiesta Bahia Hotel in Salvador, Bahia.

28 May 2025

Tech attache briefing: UN80 Initiative, AI, and digital governance – Diplo Event

The International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group (TSAG) will hold its first meeting of the 2025–2028 study period from 26 to 30 May 2025 at ITU headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

28 May 2025, 14:00h – 17:00h

Beyond relief: Resilient aid systems for the digital era

The official launch of the Digital Hub of Treasury Solutions (DHoTS) will occur on 28 May 2025.

23 Jun 2025 – 27 Jun 2025

Internet Governance Forum 2025

The Government of Norway will host the 20th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Lillestrøm from 23 to 27 June 2025.

24 Jun 2025 – 27 Jun 2025

Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025

Thailand will host the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence from 24 to 27 June 2025.

EU funds African science with €500 million in new initiative

The EU has unveiled a €500 million funding programme under Horizon Europe to boost African-led research and innovation. A total of 24 funding calls are organised around five thematic areas.

Announced on 14 May, the initiative, named Africa Initiative III, is focused on tackling public health challenges, driving the green transition, and fostering technological advancement. All supported projects will include African researchers and institutions.

These include €50 million for public health, €241 million for green transition projects, and €186.5 million for innovation and technology. Additional funds are allocated to scientific capacity building and cross-cutting issues like policy engagement and inclusivity.

Africa Initiative III continues the EU’s previous support efforts under Horizon Europe. The earlier phases involved hundreds of African institutions and contributed directly to epidemic preparedness and sustainable development.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Epic Games wins long battle with Apple

Fortnite has returned to the Apple app store in the US, nearly five years after it was removed in 2020. The ban followed Epic Games’ attempt to bypass Apple’s 30% commission by introducing its own payment system, sparking a major legal fight.

The game is now also available on the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the EU. This development is being widely viewed as a win for Epic Games in its lengthy dispute over app store practices.

Analysts say it may shift power dynamics in distribution, giving creators more influence against platform holders.

The US return comes just days after Fortnite was briefly unavailable globally due to a blocked update. It had already reappeared in the EU earlier this year due to new competition laws. With over 400 million players worldwide, Fortnite remains one of the most popular games in the world.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

EU to propose new rules and app to protect children online

The European Commission is taking significant steps to create a safer online environment for children by introducing draft guidelines under the Digital Services Act. These guidelines aim to ensure that online platforms accessible to minors maintain a high level of privacy, safety, and security.

The draft guidelines propose several key measures to safeguard minors online. These include verifying users’ ages to restrict access where appropriate, improving content recommendation systems to reduce children’s exposure to harmful or inappropriate material, and setting children’s accounts to private by default.

Additionally, the guidelines recommend best practices for child-safe content moderation, as well as providing child-friendly reporting channels and user support. They also offer guidance on how platforms should govern themselves internally to maintain a child-safe environment.

These guidelines will apply to all online platforms that minors can access, except for very small enterprises, and will also cover very large platforms with over 45 million monthly users in the EU. The European Commission has involved a wide range of stakeholders in developing the guidelines, including Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) Youth ambassadors, children, parents, guardians, national authorities, online platform providers, and experts.

The inclusive consultation process helps ensure the guidelines are practical and comprehensive. The guidelines are open for feedback until June 10, 2025, with adoption expected by summer.

Meanwhile, the Commission is creating an open-source age-verification app to confirm users’ age without risking privacy, as a temporary measure before the EU Digital Identity Wallet launches in 2026.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

DW Weekly #212 – EuroDIG 2025: the takeaways, UNGA reassesses terms for AI governance | EU and the cyberdefence policy

9 – 16 May 2025

Person, Book, Comics, Publication, Cleaning, Face, Head, Cartoon

Dear readers,

In the week behind us, Diplo followed the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG 2025), with just-in-time reporting on this pivotal multistakeholder platform that fosters open dialogue on the future of digital governance. Organised by the Council of Europe in collaboration with the Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the event convened stakeholders from governments, civil society, the private sector, and technical communities under the theme ‘Safeguarding Human Rights by Balancing Regulation and Innovation’.

Held at the Palais de l’Europe, EuroDIG 2025 featured a dynamic programme of main sessions, eleven workshops, and eight flash sessions, addressing pressing issues in internet governance while emphasising inclusivity, emerging technologies, and multilateral cooperation.

The workshops and flash sessions delved into cutting-edge topics such as digital sovereignty, quantum computing, and digital inclusion. The workshop on ‘The Interplay Between Digital Sovereignty and Development,’ for example, proposed a balanced approach to national control over digital infrastructure, advocating for policies that promote local innovation while maintaining global interoperability. Quantum computing discussions highlighted the need for preemptive governance frameworks to address its disruptive potential in cryptography and data security. Digital inclusion sessions called for targeted investments in digital literacy programmes to bridge access gaps, particularly in underserved regions.

Key propositions, such as ethical frameworks for neurotechnology, privacy-preserving age assurance, and sustainable AI metrics, offer actionable pathways to address current challenges.

The emphasis on youth engagement through YOUthDIG and the call for transatlantic cooperation signal a forward-looking approach to digital policy.

With such conclusions, EuroDIG 2025 is reinforcing Europe’s leadership in shaping digital governance through collaborative, inclusive dialogue. As usual, the event’s consensus-based outcomes or key takeaways compiled from the discussions, workshops, and main sessions will feed into the global IGF 2025, influencing international policy.

Other highlights of the week:

The EU Council has extended its sanctions on cyberattacks until 18 May 2026, with the legal framework for enforcing these measures now lasting until 2028. The sanctions target individuals and institutions involved in cyberattacks that pose a significant threat to the EU and its members.

On 15 May 2025, a revised draft UNGA resolution outlined updated terms for the Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance. The Panel, comprising 40 members appointed for a 3-year term, will deliver annual policy-relevant AI assessments.

Amazon has announced a new partnership with Humain, an AI company launched by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to invest over $5 billion in creating an ‘AI Zone’ in the kingdom.

Two US senators, Cynthia Lummis and Bernie Moreno, are urging US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to revise how corporate digital assets are taxed. They have proposed a change to the definition of ‘adjusted financial statement income’ under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Chinese start-up AgiBot is leading the charge in humanoid robotics, using data-intensive training to develop machines capable of everyday tasks like folding clothes and making sandwiches.

For the main updates and reflections, consult the Radar and Reading Corner below.

DW Team

RADAR

Highlights from the week of 9 – 16 May 2025

Revised draft UNGA resolution for Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance

As negotiations advance among UN General Assembly members in New York, a revised draft resolution (rev1) has been issued.

hand holds european union flag in an open window background blue sky silhouette of the city

EU prolongs sanctions for cyberattackers until 2026

In response to rising cyber threats, the EU has prolonged its legal authority to sanction attackers for another three years.

google mobile application smart phone screen

Google updates its icon after a decade

The familiar Google ‘G’ has a new look, blending its classic colours with subtle gradients instead of the solid segments used since 2015.

china advancements in quantum technology

China’s quantum breakthroughs push urgent need for post-quantum security

China is investing billions in quantum technology, outpacing the West and increasing the urgency of cryptographic reform.

Trump’s crypto ventures delay stablecoin and crypto policy progress

His memecoin profits and potential conflict of interest have caused gridlock in Congress, delaying key legislation.

UK artists urge PM to shield creative work from AI exploitation

As the battle over AI and copyright intensifies, Britain’s most celebrated artists are drawing a line to protect the future of human creativity.

US senator calls for AI chip tracking to protect national security

New US legislation targets chip smuggling and aims to safeguard the country’s tech leadership.

OpenAI Sam Altman PBC for profit transition

OpenAI backs away from for-profit transition amid scrutiny

Critics welcome OpenAI’s compromise but raise questions about long-term governance and ownership.

Gemini wins EU approval for crypto derivatives

The exchange plans to launch perpetual futures and other derivatives for advanced traders in Europe following its latest regulatory milestone.

Cyber attack disrupts Edinburgh school networks

Authorities confirmed no data was stolen in the phishing incident affecting Edinburgh schools.

Autonomous AI agents are the next phase of enterprise automation

UiPath and other leaders say agentic automation enables problem-solving beyond the limits of traditional automation.

View all updates

READING CORNER

Bitcoin’s political puppeteers: From code to clout

Once hailed as the future of financial freedom, Bitcoin now finds itself swayed by political power, elite influence, and media manipulation — raising urgent questions about whether the revolution has…

When nature weeps: A wake-up call for the world – Diplo

Humanity has the tools to prevent environmental collapse – but not the collective will. Water scarcity, unchecked pollution, and political inaction are pushing us toward crisis, writes Milan Jazbec.

BLOG featured image 2025 68 Geopolitics of the deep sea

Geopolitics of the deep sea: The ocean’s hidden war – Diplo

Beneath the waves lies a geopolitical battleground over the future of critical minerals.

The rise of the medical-industrial complex – Diplo

Why does healthcare cost so much, yet so often fail us at the end of life?

blog Part 1 An introduction to digital twins

Part 1: An introduction to digital twins – Diplo

When Spain & Portugal went dark, it wasn’t just lights that failed. It was a reminder: technology isn’t just a tool – it’s the system we live in.

BLOG featured 160 years of tech diplomacy at ITU

What can we learn from 160 years of tech diplomacy at ITU? – Diplo

Over 160 years, ITU has maintained its mission to balance national sovereignty with shared connectivity amidst evolving technologies.

UPCOMING EVENTS

West Africa Internet Governance Forum WAIGF

19 May 2025 – 23 May 2025

West African IGF 2025

The West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) is a regional initiative that brings together various stakeholders to discuss and address internet-related issues in West Africa. It serves as a collaborative…

23 Jun 2025 – 27 Jun 2025

Internet Governance Forum 2025

The Government of Norway will host the 20th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Lillestrøm from 23 to 27 June 2025.

24 Jun 2025 – 27 Jun 2025

Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025

Thailand will host the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence from 24 to 27 June 2025.

BEREC updates VHCN guidelines to reflect 5G and Network Advances

The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) is updating its guidelines on what qualifies as a Very High Capacity Network (VHCN) under Article 82 of the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC).

The revision reflects technological developments, especially in mobile and 5G networks, and aims to ensure consistent classification across EU Member States. The draft was open for public consultation until 30 April 2025, with the final version expected by 31 December 2025.

For fixed networks, BEREC confirms that the original 2020 performance thresholds remain appropriate. These networks must include fibre components at least to the distribution point and meet high standards in bandwidth, latency, jitter, and resilience under normal peak conditions.

Technologies like G.fast (212 MHz) and DOCSIS 3.1 remain valid benchmarks, as no significant advancements have been observed since 2020.

For mobile networks, especially 5G, BEREC proposes adjusted thresholds to ensure they can be considered technically equivalent to fixed VHCNs.

The updated criteria include fibre backhaul to base stations and require performance parity with fixed networks under peak conditions.

Based on 2022 data from 19 countries, BEREC assessed both current commercial deployments and high-performance pilot setups, adopting a cautious approach by focusing on realistic, existing mobile infrastructure capabilities.

The changes carry regulatory implications for national authorities, who must apply these updated criteria in their markets.

Key consultation issues include the proportionality of raising the downlink threshold to 350 Mbps, especially given urban-rural digital divides, and the need for a harmonized definition of ‘normal peak conditions.’

Coordination with the EU Digital Decade 2030 goals is also essential to ensure regulatory clarity and alignment with long-term connectivity targets.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Instagram calls for EU-wide teen protection rules

Instagram is calling on the European Union to introduce new regulations requiring app stores to implement age verification and parental approval systems.

The platform argues that such protections, applied consistently across all apps, are essential to safeguarding teenagers from harmful content online.

‘The EU needs consistent standards for all apps, to help keep teens safe, empower parents and preserve privacy,’ Instagram said in a blog post.

The company believes the most effective way to achieve this is by introducing protections at the source—before teenagers download apps from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Instagram is proposing that app stores verify users’ ages and require parental approval for teen app downloads. The social media platform cites new research from Morning Consult showing that three in four parents support such legislation.

Most parents also view app stores, rather than individual apps, as the safer and more manageable point for controlling what their teens can access.

To reinforce its position, Instagram points to its own safety efforts, such as the introduction of Teen Accounts. These private-by-default profiles limit teen exposure to messages and content from unknown users, and apply stricter filters to reduce exposure to sensitive material.

Instagram says it is working with civil society groups, industry partners, and European policymakers to push for rules that protect young users across platforms. With teen safety a growing concern, the company insists that industry-wide, enforceable solutions are urgently needed.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

German watchdog demands Meta stop AI training with EU user data

The Verbraucherzentrale North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), a regional data protection authority in Germany, has issued a formal warning to Meta, urging the tech giant to stop training its AI models using data from European users.

The regulator argues that Meta’s current approach violates EU privacy laws and may lead to legal action if not halted. Meta recently announced that it would use content from Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger—including posts, comments, and public interactions—to train its AI systems in Europe.

The company claims this will improve the performance of Meta AI by helping it better understand European languages, culture, and history.

However, data protection authorities from several EU countries, including Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, have expressed concern and encouraged users to act before Meta’s new privacy policy takes effect on 27 May.

The NRW DPA took the additional step of sending Meta a cease-and-desist letter on 30 April. Should Meta ignore the request, legal action could follow.

Christine Steffen, data protection expert at NRW, said that once personal data is used to train AI, it becomes nearly impossible to reverse. She criticised Meta’s opt-out model and insisted that meaningful user consent is legally required.

Austrian privacy advocate Max Schrems, head of the NGO Noyb, also condemned Meta’s strategy, accusing the company of ignoring EU privacy law in favour of commercial gain.

‘Meta should simply ask the affected people for their consent,’ he said, warning that failure to do so could have consequences across the EU.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!