The Norwegian data protection authority’s announcement today that it intends to fine the dating app Grindr close to €10 million for breaching the EU’s data protection law (GDPR) is an important step to stop the pervasive and illegal exploitation of consumers’ data by online advertising companies.

BEUC, representing the interests of consumers in 32 European countries, deeply regrets that the European Commission’s decision to approve Google’s takeover of wearable fitness device company Fitbit lacks enough force to protect consumers, now and in the future. Even if the current remedy package represents an improvement compared to Google’s first offer, it is insufficient to ensure effective competition in wearables and digital health, which are becoming increasingly important in consumers’ lives.

BEUC welcomes the European Commission’s plans to explore options for a new cybersecurity law in its cybersecurity strategy, published today. Such a long awaited law could ensure that producers of connected products have to respect a number of minimum security requirements.

The European Commission today unveiled an Action Plan to tackle ‘non-performing loans’ (NPLs) in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. NPLs - loans subject to late repayment or unlikely to be repaid -are expected to rise sharply once measures to support households and businesses put in place during the pandemic come to an end.