Social Media Giants Approve Hate Speech Ads Before German Election Despite Content Rules
Meta and X have failed to block advertisements containing violent anti-Muslim and antisemitic content ahead of Germany's federal election, according to new research. The study by nonprofit Eko found both platforms approved hate speech ads despite their content moderation policies and EU regulations.
AI in Politics: The Delicate Balance Between Voter Targeting and Privacy Protection
Political campaigns worldwide are increasingly leveraging AI for voter micro-targeting, raising significant privacy and manipulation concerns. While the EU leads with comprehensive regulations, the challenge of balancing technological advantages with voter protection remains critical, especially in regions with limited oversight.
Baltic Nations Bolster Cyber Defenses Ahead of Russian Power Grid Separation
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are strengthening cybersecurity measures as they prepare to disconnect from the Soviet-era BRELL power network shared with Russia. The Baltic states anticipate potential retaliation from Moscow while transitioning to the EU electricity system on February 9.
European Surveillance Campaign Exposed: Paragon Spyware Targets Journalists and Activists
Italian authorities reveal widespread deployment of Paragon Solutions' surveillance technology targeting individuals across 14 European countries. The operation, affecting journalists and activists, has sparked investigations into potential surveillance abuse despite the company's claims of ethical standards.
OpenEuroLLM: Europe's €52M Bid for AI Independence
A powerful European alliance launches OpenEuroLLM, a €52 million open-source initiative to develop language models reflecting European values. The project unites 20+ research institutions and tech companies in a bid to reduce dependence on foreign AI while maintaining transparency and cultural diversity.
Apple Criticizes Adult Content App's EU Launch Through Alternative App Store
Apple voices strong opposition to 'Hot Tub,' an adult content aggregator app launching through AltStore PAL in the EU, enabled by Digital Markets Act requirements. The tech giant expresses deep concerns about safety risks while acknowledging their obligation to allow third-party app stores.
EU Fined €400 for Violating Its Own GDPR Privacy Rules
In a landmark case, the European Union faces a €400 fine for breaching its own GDPR privacy regulations when transferring user data through AWS to Meta's servers. The unprecedented self-imposed penalty highlights ongoing challenges in implementing and enforcing data protection standards.
Volkswagen Data Breach Exposes Location and Personal Data of 800,000 European EV Owners
A critical security lapse in Volkswagen's cloud storage exposed sensitive information of electric vehicle owners across Europe, including precise location data and contact details. The breach affected vehicles from multiple VW Group brands and has raised serious concerns about data protection in modern connected cars.
Critical Vulnerability Found in European Power Grid Control System
Security researchers at 38C3 exposed major flaws in Europe's radio-based power control network, which manages energy systems across five countries without basic security measures. The vulnerability could allow attackers to manipulate street lighting and power generation, potentially destabilizing the electrical grid.
Major Privacy Breach Exposes Location Data of 800,000 VW Group Electric Vehicles
A critical security flaw at Volkswagen's Cariad software unit exposed sensitive GPS coordinates and personal information of hundreds of thousands of electric vehicles across Europe. The breach, which revealed detailed tracking data through an unprotected AWS storage system, affected vehicles from VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda brands.