Category: Digital rights
The car data hype – no need to worry? Think twice
BEUC’s mobility expert Robin Loos brings us a story from his future self to explain why regulating access to car data is important.
Why it’s time to ban surveillance ads
It’s the name of a forty-year-old hit that still holds huge popular appeal today. Every Breath You Take became The Police’s signature track, despite the creepy lyrics about a disturbingly possessive person who watches their lover’s every step. It’s also...
Making the Digital Markets Act work for consumers – BEUC’s take on Member States position
If you’ve considered leaving WhatsApp, but felt your hands were tied because all the people you know use it, the Digital Markets Act could well be what you were hoping for. It could be a real game-changer for consumers. The...
Post-Covid world: new consumer realities policy makers must address
This blog reflects the speech delivered by Monique Goyens at an event marking the 30th anniversary of the Consumers and Environment category of the European Economic and Social Committee, on 1 October 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has been for many...
Why the Android antitrust case matters to consumers
Today, the vast majority of mobile phones in Europe run on Android, Google’s operating system. In addition, Google Search is the dominant search engine, used by millions of consumers daily to access goods, services, and information on the web. Part...
EU proposals to shape the digital landscape, a step forward for consumers
Just as the European Parliament and the EU’s Council of Ministers are gearing up to begin their scrutiny of the European Commission’s December 2020 proposals for a Digital Services Act (DSA) and a Digital Markets Act (DMA), it is timely...
Research is for the people: but where are the people?
A few weeks ago, the European research community held its annual powwow with the European Research and Innovation (R&I) Days, organised by the Commission’s Directorate-General in charge of research. The event gathered (virtually) more than 20,000 participants. It was an...
COVID-19 and the digitalisation of health: five risks you need to know
Some claim that artificial intelligence (AI) will always be better than natural stupidity, especially when it comes to decisions about health. But it is important to be aware of the risks using AI in health care might entail for us.
Let´s call a spade a spade: abuse of power in the digital economy must end
The era of tech-optimism is over, replaced by a crisis of trust. While there are strong rules in Europe which could help consumers to regain trust, their enforcement is sadly lacking.
How EU-funded research can deliver to consumers
Between 2021 and 2027, the EU Horizon Europe programme is planning to spend around a whopping 100 billion euros on research projects. No surprise therefore that academics, industry representatives and others will flood Brussels this week to attend the huge...